Tech programs open job horizons

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There are more ways to further your education than going to university.

Since its beginnings in 1976, the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies has graduated more than 1,000 students in non-credit and preparatory courses and an additional 600 have earned diplomas and certificates in credit programs.

A 1991 expansion occurred when the institute entered into an academic partnership with the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology.

"This added several key credit programs, such as land management, community health and local health administration, and gave us an added avenue for developing quality credit programs," said Roger Shindelka.

The vice-president in charge of planning and development notes small class size is a contributing factor to the institute's high success rate.

"Twenty students are admitted to the Integrated Resource Management and Chemical Dependency Worker program, while the Business Administration program has 35 students. The Automotive Service Technicians has only 12, so the size is consistently workable," Shindelka explained.

With campuses in Prince Albert, Qu'Appelle, Saskatoon, Meadow Lake, Yorkton and North Battleford, the institute serves students from every corner of the province.

"Career priorities are different in various areas of the province. It also allows students to study on a campus near their home communities," said Shindelka.

As well, some programs require training facilities to be located nearby, such as

the Kelsey Institute in Saskatoon, where the third and fourth semesters of the Indian Diploma Nursing program are completed.

One especially popular course the Institute offers is integrated resource management. Aboriginal students enjoy this innovative program which addresses resource issues specific to Indian people and their communities. Students acquire the skills needed for employment as resource personnel for Indian bands, provincial and federal governments, and other related industries. The three-year program is offered at the Meadow Lake campus.

Another popular program is the community health certificate. Graduates of the one-year program are prepared to address a wide variety of areas, including community health education and development, clinical work, counselling and co-ordination of health services in Indian communities throughout the province.

Students lacking the academic prerequisites to enter technical or other training schools may take basic upgrading at the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies. Biology, social studies and chemistry are among the subjects offered at the high school level.

The courses are designed with an emphasis on the relevancy to Aboriginal people.

"We expose our students to First Nations history and contemporary issues, so their training is carried out in a bi-cultural environment," said Shindelka.

Likewise, the campus counselling services include a resident Elder.

"The Elders are part of the every-day environment at the campuses," he said. They serve as counsellors and offer advice on issues affecting students.

"We are on contract to the Pathways to Success initiative to develop and deliver specific courses where there is a demand, and are proud of our achievements in that area as well," said Shindelka.

As a final service to its students, the institute assists program graduates in developing professional resumes and invites employers to interview prospective employees on site.

"We are especially proud of our 80 to 90 per cent success rate of job placement. This cannot be emphasized too much - our programs lead to meaningful jobs."