A roundtable designed at meeting the technology industry’s training and hiring needs for the province and how Saskatchewan Polytechnic can strategically align itself to do that was recently held.

The roundtable, which featured leaders from several different sectors including agriculture, mining, and manufacturing along with Innovation Saskatchewan and SaskTech, was designed to discuss the technology jobs that industry currently needs, what they will need in the future and the core skills that are essential for those careers to happen,

It was an event that Saskatchewan Polytechnic President Dr. Larry Rosia says while doing a lot of what is needed already, there are some things that need to be established.

“We’re doing some of what was talked about already.” Rosia said.  “We have identified where the gaps are and then identify how we can best deliver them.  Some have already been embedded into our traditional technology and certification programs while others will be developing short quick courses around key industries.  It’s a matter of doing both and it is all about being connected with industry to find out what their needs are.   I think its important to work together to diversify the economy with jobs that are, and will be in demand. They will be jobs that will pay well and lead to long and successful careers.

The tech sector contributes nearly $5 billion each year to the province’s economy with the Saskatchewan Growth Plan calling for the sector to triple by 2030.