USask bringing industrial arts teacher training program to Prince Albert

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“It’s a chance to provide that training that’s been missing over the last number of years for people who are maybe already teaching those classes but don’t have the level of excellence that they want.”

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Wilson explained the university previously offered a direct-entry industrial arts program, but it became dormant over time due to retirements and program cuts. At the same time, many schools across Saskatchewan still have shop facilities that are underused because of a shortage of qualified instructors.

“That’s an area of education that really speaks to a large number of people. We want to keep students engaged and interested in their schooling.”

Wilson said practical and applied arts can be especially important for students who learn better through hands-on experiences. He added northern Saskatchewan has a particular need for industrial arts programming because of the region’s connection to industries such as forestry, construction and skilled trades.

“The practical and applied arts are valued differently in different parts of the province,” Wilson said. “And I believe the North needs those people coming through their schools trained.”

“Not everyone going through high school in Saskatchewan is going on to post-secondary. They may want to work in trades. They may want to get a job right away, so we can give them that experience right away in their schooling.”

Wilson also noted the program extends beyond traditional “shop class” subjects.

“It’s not just welding and woods,” he said. “I also mean the home economics lab and the cooking lab and the sewing lab…things like that.”

The program is being offered in partnership with the Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division, which will provide facilities for hands-on learning components.

Wilson said the flexible format, including online classes, summer courses and part-time scheduling, is intended to make the certificate accessible for teachers already working full-time.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com