Education
Introduction
There are many options for student after they graduate. Some student might continue on to post-secondary education right away, others will start apprenticing while others travel or volunteer. There is also a portion of students that choose to work for a year or two to save money or gain experience. What is right for some isn’t for others. Therefore it is important to remember the steps of career planning: Getting to know yourself; exploring your options; choosing a direction and then making it happen. These steps are not always linear, it is through our experiences and knowledge that we learn and change and then continue to revamp our plans.
No matter what your plans are it is important to do your research and to investigate educational and training opportunities. Whether you go off to school right away or utilize the information you learning in a few years it is important to be aware of what type of education is linked to your interests and goals.
University/College
There are an unlimited number of sites and ways to investigate educational institutions. It is important to learn as much about the school as possible to make sure it is the right fit for you. If possible it is also a good idea to go for a spend-a-day, open house or tour. The experience will assist you in making an educated decision about what institution to attend and program to take. Please check post-secondary websites to access the most current information pertaining to your selection.
A great tool showing a map of Canada and a link to each province and territory with a comprehensive list of available schools is located below. A direct link to the school, tuition cost and number of students are also listed.
This site also provides students, parents and counsellors with scholarships, employment, college majors, career information and much more! CHECK IT OUT!
http://www.studentscholarships.org/university_home.php
University of Saskatchewan (U of S) – http://www.usask.ca
- Minimum entrance average is 70% but the average is higher in competitive entry programs (ex. Kinesiology, Engineering, etc.).
- Apply anytime in grade 12
- $90 fee per application (price subject to change*)
- Application deadline is May 15 for most colleges
(Exception: Kinesiology – January 15, Unclassified Studies – September 1).
University of Regina (U of R) – http://www.uregina.ca
- Minimum average is 65% but the average is higher in competitive entry programs
(ex. Education, Engineering, etc.). - Apply anytime in grade 12
- $100 one-time application fee (price subject to change*)
- Application deadline is June 1
(Exception: Education – March 15, Nursing Program – Currently under review).
Saskatchewan Polytechnic – http://www.gosiast.com
- Most courses accept application forms on a “First Qualified First Admitted” basis
(Exception: “high demand programs”) - Applications accepted on September 1 of grade 10, 11 or 12
(depending upon grade requirement for desired course). - $50 per application (price subject to change*)
Regional Colleges
- Regional Colleges offer post-secondary learning opportunities in more than 40 communities across Saskatchewan. Students can enroll in university and technical training without having the extra costs of leaving home. Regional colleges provide counselling and other resources to help students make decisions about career path and employment future as well as offering scholarship/bursary funding.
- More information about Saskatchewan’s Regional Colleges can be found at: http://www.saskcolleges.ca
Out-of-Province Universities/Colleges
- Deadlines vary for out-of-province institutions. Make sure to check individual websites for important dates and deadlines.
- http://www.studentscholarships.org/university_home.php
- Students attending out-of-country post-secondary institutions must write an ACT or SAT exam. Each post-secondary institution will specify their preference of exam and the minimum score needed. It is recommended that students write the ACT or SAT in grade 11; however, they can also be written in grade 12. Pre-registration is necessary.
- For test dates, registration deadlines, costs and locations of the exams go to http://actstudent.org or http://www.collegeboard.com or http://www.careercruising.com
University and Technical Institute/College Comparison
Private Schools
Private vocational schools in Saskatchewan offer employment related programs for adults (ex. Cosmetology, Esthetics, Massage Therapy, etc.). Information about their programs can be found on their web sites or by contacting them directly.
A list of all Saskatchewan Private Schools’ contact information can be found at: http://www.sasknetwork.ca/html/Learners/educationtraining/pvs.htm
Aboriginal Post-Secondary Institutions
- Saskatchewan has three post-secondary institutions whose emphasis is on serving First Nations and Métis students.
- First Nations University of Canada (FNUC) – http://www.firstnationsuniversity.ca
- Gabriel Dumont Institute (GDI) & Dumont Technical Institute (GDTI) – http://www.gdins.org
- Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) – http://www.siit.ca
Travel and Enrichment Programs
- Please review the link below for a list of opportunities and programs available.
- http://www.pvsd.ca/ProgramsServices/CareerServices/LookingAtOptions/Pages/Travel-Enrichment-Programs.aspx
Public Service Careers
Armed Forces:
All new recruits are required to complete basic training. These courses are designed to teach the core skills and necessary knowledge to succeed in a military environment. The training emphasizes basic military skills, weapons handling, first aid, leadership fundamentals and ethical values. Since physical fitness is an integral component of military service, a large part of the course will be spent in physical fitness training.
Basic training is generally conducted at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School (CFLRS) in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, and its detachment in Borden, Ontario. For more information visit http://www.forces.ca or call 1-866-462-2769.
Note: Aboriginal students interested in military training may wish to apply to the Bold Eagle, Raven or Black Bear programs as described in the Travel and Enrichment Programs table on the previous pages.
Policing:
RCMP: Any student considering a career as a police officer with the RCMP should attend an information session. For more information and to register call 1-877-726-7472 or visit http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/.
City Police Forces: Most urban centers hire their own police force. Information for individual police forces will be listed on the city’s webpage. For more information about the Moose Jaw City Police force and upcoming recruitment sessions visit http://www.mjpolice.ca or call 306-694-7600.
Fire Fighting:
Fire-fighting training is now available in Melville, Saskatchewan and offered through a partnership between Parkland College Protection and Emergency Services and Lakeland College. Course information can be found at http://www.parklandcollege.sk.ca or by calling 1-866-783-6766.
Apprenticeship & Trades
- Apprenticeship is an “earn while you learn” system of building a career with 50 trades to choose from in Saskatchewan. The “apprentice” learns the skills of the trade under the supervision of an expert “journeyperson.”
- To be eligible for apprenticeship training one must be employed in the trade and submit an application to register for an apprenticeship contract. After the application has been processed and approved, a training coordinator will schedule the employee in the first available technical training space. The rest of the time the apprentice will be working and learning on-the-job. Designated trades in Saskatchewan take from two to four years to complete. Therefore, on average, an apprentice attends technical training once a year for eight weeks for four years.
- The apprenticeship board does not keep lists of employers looking to hire apprentices. It is up to the individuals to find a job in their chosen field. Some individuals apply to SIAST or other training providers before becoming employed in order to take a pre-employment type course. These courses usually assist people in finding initial employment in the trade they are interested. If you can find a job without pre-employment, taking this training is not necessary.
- To understand the process that all apprentices will go through depending on their trade here in Saskatchewan or to find out more information visit: http://saskapprenticeship.ca
- Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship – SYA is a program geared toward youth in the province of Saskatchewan to discover the rewards of career in the trades. High School students 15 years or older gain information about apprenticeship trades. There are many benefits in completing this non-credit program.
- Students may also earn up to four high school level apprenticeship credits if they are employed under the supervision of a journeyperson in a job in which the hours are eligible for apprenticeship time credit. For more information ask your school administrator, PAA teacher or visit: http://www.saskapprenticeship.ca/youth_apprentices/
Work Force
- It is important for students directly entering the work force upon high school graduation to have an updated portfolio including a resume and cover letter. Refer to Looking Within and Looking at Strengths sections for Job Search information.
- There are 20 Canada-Saskatchewan Career and Employment Services offices located throughout the province that provide numerous services for people looking for work. Some of these services include assistance in career planning, upgrading and funding education, learning job related skills and obtaining a job. Further information and office locations can be found at http://www.sasknetwork.gov.sk.ca/html/Home/cansask/cansask.htm
- Transitions to Work Programs: There are a number of short term training options that are available to assist students in their transition to the work force.
- Construction Career Development Project targeting First Nations students:
http://www.siit.sk.ca/content/career-centres (306) 721-4473. - Regina Trades and Skills Adult Programming:
http://www.reginatradesandskills.ca - Saskatchewan Construction Association:
http://www.scaonline.ca. - SIAST short term training:
http://www.siast.sk.ca/programs/upcoming.shtml.
Check regional colleges for possible transitional programs:
http://www.saskcolleges.ca.