REGINA — Supportive instructors, paid co-op placements and practical training are features of Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Electrical Engineering Technology program helping five women build skills and confidence in a growing technical field.
Four of the women are in their first year, one is in her third, and together they represent a growing shift in a field long dominated by men. Their advice: if you love problem-solving and hands-on work, don’t let stereotypes hold you back.
“We engage in a variety of community outreach activities to attract students, including hands-on workshops and partnerships with local schools and organizations,” says Babith Varghese, Electrical Engineering Technology program head. “Workshops provide a basic introduction to the lab and equipment and can help make prospective students more comfortable with the learning environment.”
All five women say they value Sask Polytech’s small classes, hands-on learning, approachable instructors and paid co-operative education work terms.
For Ella Kessler-Holderness, the decision to enrol was rooted in family. “My dad and stepdad are both engineers,” she says. “They taught me to love math and I wanted to follow in their footsteps.”
After a gap year working in reception at a vet clinic, she’s now thriving in her first semester. “The labs are really interesting. It’s like a puzzle you put together,” she says, adding she didn’t realize how few women enter electrical engineering until she joined. “Everyone was excited there were so many women in the class.”
That sense of support is echoed by Runhe Wang. She spent a year upgrading math and science through the Adult Education program at Sask Polytech’s Saskatoon campus before applying.
“I wanted something with strong technical skills and good long-term career opportunities,” she says. “The lab work is amazing. We build circuits, measure voltage and current and troubleshoot together.”
Wang admits she was nervous at first. “My hands-on skills weren’t as strong as some of the guys, but they were always willing to help. If you’re interested in engineering, don’t hesitate because it’s a male-dominated field. Women can do just as well.”
Like her classmates, Tamika Ehrmantraut loves the hands-on approach. “The labs teach me the most because I’m a hands-on learner. It’s rigorous but so worth it.”
Both Ehrmantraut and Abby Allen joined the program after a year of university. They were drawn to Sask Polytech for its smaller classes and easier access to instructors. “The big class sizes at university were off-putting and I could never reach out to my teachers,” says Ehrmantraut. “At Sask Polytech, the instructors know our names and are always around to answer questions.”
Allen agrees, “I enjoy how hands-on the program is. In the first week, we were in the lab building circuits. I’d absolutely recommend this program to anyone considering it.”
Third-year student Katharina Leonhardt, originally from Switzerland, says co-op placements have been a highlight. “You get paid and gain experience before you graduate,” she says. Her co-op placements at Shermco Industries, gave her the opportunity to complete electrical maintenance and test new equipment prior to it being energized.
Kessler-Holderness says that co-op education sold her on the program: “Getting work experience while still studying is amazing and made me want to apply.”
Wang is also looking forward to her first co-op education placement. “I believe it’s important to spend time onsite to fully understand how equipment is installed, tested and commissioned to become a good technologist. Co-op makes this happen.”
Varghese agrees that co-operative education is a major selling point of the program for all students. “During co-op, students have the opportunity to earn competitive wages, and after graduation, many secure well-paying positions.
“This career offers a lot of diversity in the work you can do, with plenty of opportunities to grow. You can travel and work in the field, or focus on office-based roles. There are many options and paths to explore.”
When asked about advice for other women applying to the program, Leonhardt says “You don’t know until you try. It’s a fun and interesting field.”
Kessler-Holderness says, “If you are interested in puzzles and putting stuff together, this program is for you.”
Justine Jacobson is a Women in Trades and Technology (WITT) powered by Orano coordinator for Moose Jaw campus. She regularly checks in with the women in Electrical Engineer Technology and hosts monthly pizza lunches for all women currently taking trades and technology programs. “The pizza lunches are a great opportunity to connect with other women taking trades programs, it’s awesome to see the students support each other, share experiences and build each other up!”
Learn more about the Electrical Engineering Technology program.
In 1985, Sask Polytech began providing paid, practical and relevant co-operative education opportunities. It’s a win-win-win partnership between students, Sask Polytech and employers. Learn more about co-operative education at Sask. Polytech.
— Submitted by Sask. Polytech Media Relations
