This fall, Parkland College is offering a new course in Balcarres that will introduce participants to careers and further education related to mental health services.

In the 12-week Introduction to Mental Health & Wellness program, learners will develop the skills and knowledge required for introductory employment or further education. The course is a good starting point for work in substance abuse centres, mental health agencies, correctional facilities, group homes, transition homes, and more.

The program will cover a variety of topics, including Indigenous models of health and healing, case management and assessment, grief and loss, addictions and recovery models, and abuse and trauma. Participants will gain certifications in Suicide Intervention, Mental Health First Aid, Conflict Resolution, First Aid/CPR A/AED, and WHMIS.

The course will be delivered at Wakayos Employment & Training Centre in Balcarres. Classes are Monday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., beginning Oct. 12 and running through Jan. 21, 2022. The program also includes a two-week work placement.

To register, or for more information, please contact the Essential Skills team:
Amanda Reeve
306.641.9171
[email protected]

Parkland College is running another session of the Youth Employment & Skills Strategy (YESS) program this fall. Introduced last year, the initiative is designed to help youth between 15 and 30 years of age train for their future and secure employment.

Participants receive advanced Essential Skills training, life skills/soft skills, and employment readiness. Students are mentored throughout the program and given on-the-job training opportunities. They also acquire industry certifications including First Aid/CPR, Food Safety, Serve It Right, STEC Customer Service, Mental Health First Aid, and more.

The Fall 2021 program runs from Sept. 13 to Dec. 3. Classes are scheduled Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Parkland College Main Campus in Yorkton.

Students must pre-register. Intake is underway.

To register, or for more information, please contact the Essential Skills team:
Amanda Reeve
306.786.7341
[email protected]

On Sunday, July 11, the Government of Saskatchewan lifted all COVID-19 public health restrictions across the province. However, Parkland College is taking a conservative approach in its return-to-campus plan in order to best serve the college community.

Masks must still be worn indoors at all Parkland College campus and training locations. Summer programs and courses will trial alternatives as the College gradually works toward the removal of this requirement.

Physical distancing is no longer required at the College, but efforts will be made to create comfortable spacing and avoid overcrowding.

Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting will continue in high traffic areas, and common spaces (such as student lounges, study areas, lunch rooms, etc.) will gradually re-open.

Hand sanitizer will remain readily available at all locations. Staff and students are asked to follow proper hand hygiene and coughing/sneezing etiquette, and to stay home if they are not feeling well.

And the College encourages all students, staff, and visitors to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Parkland College, like other organizations, relies on a successful vaccine rollout to return to full campus activity in the fall. We are getting closer to this goal, and you can help us get there by getting fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

As the summer progresses, Parkland College’s Safety Department will monitor campuses, collaborate with partner institutions, and follow case numbers in our region. The College will announce further changes and updates, if required, before the start of the 2021-22 academic year.

Click here to see Parkland College’s COVID-19 information and updates.

Saskatchewan’s post-secondary institutions are united in doing our part to fight the spread of COVID-19 and to help keep our communities safe. Now, every one of us can do one more, simple thing: get vaccinated.

All approved COVID-19 vaccines are safe, proven, and effective ways to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

Parkland College, like other organizations, relies on a successful vaccine rollout to return to full campus activity in the fall. We are getting closer to this goal, and you can help us get there by getting fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

This is why we have launched Protect The Parkland – a campaign encouraging students, staff, and our communities to get their COVID-19 vaccine. From now until the end of August, you can win some great Parkland College prizes just by sharing your vaccine story with us. Tag us in your posts on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter (@CollegeofChoice) and use #ProtectTheParkland to be entered to win.

Vaccines are not mandatory for students, staff, or anyone visiting our campuses. But we encourage you to do your part and help Protect The Parkland.

I would like to acknowledge the sorrowful circumstances related to the finding of 215 unmarked graves of Indigenous children on the Kamloops Residential School property, and Thursday’s announcement of 751 unmarked graves discovered on Cowessess First Nation.

Parkland College and Cumberland College rise and stand together in sorrow with our Indigenous communities. Bobbi Gray, our Coalition Chief Foundational Skills and Learner Services, which includes the responsibility for Indigenous Engagement, has crafted a message that I would like to share with you.

Tansi,

Today, the world came to a halt and wrapped themselves around the community of Cowessess First Nation as Chief Cadmus Delorme released the findings of the Marieval Indian Residential School scope. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the community of Cowessess and all who are impacted by the shocking and horrific findings of 751 unmarked graves.

As similar discoveries are uncovered at residential school sites, it is with a heavy heart as the Coalition Chief Officer responsible for Indigenous Engagement and Inclusion that I send out messages of support to those who are affected by the impacts of this dark time in our history. On behalf of our President, Executives, Managers and Indigenous Engagement committees, we encourage staff to reach out for support via our EFAP program, as needed. Additional resources can be found on our websites and are included below for quick reference.

– Support is available for anyone affected by their experience at residential schools, and those who are triggered by the latest reports.
– A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for survivors and those affected. People can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-4419.

Ekosi.

In the spirit of truth and reconciliation,

Bobbi Gray, B.Ed., M.Ed.

Thank you, Bobbi, for sharing this message us.

I would also like to share a sober and gracious quote from the Cowessess First Nation’s Chief Cadmus Delorme:

“We all inherited this. Nobody today created Residential Schools. Nobody today created the Indian Act. Nobody today created the ’60s Scoop. We all inherited it and we have to acknowledge that people are healing and people are hurting. Let’s do something about it.”

Today we stand with our Indigenous partners and re-commit ourselves to working together for the betterment of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, staff, and communities.

With sorrow and hope,

J. Mark A. Hoddenbagh, Ph.D., PSGov
President & CEO
Cumberland College & Parkland College

Parkland College celebrated the graduates of 2021 in a video ceremony, released Wednesday on the College’s YouTube channel.

Although COVID-19 public health restrictions prevented the College from hosting its traditional graduation for the second year in a row, the Graduation Committee replicated the ceremony as much as possible in a virtual format.

Thank you to all the instructors, staff, and students for making the 2020-21 a memorable year. Congratulations on your success, grads, and best wishes for the future.

Parkland College is offering a pair of incentives for onshore international students who want to take a post-secondary program this fall.

Onshore international students who register for a certificate or diploma program at Parkland College in the 2021-2022 year will be eligible for a $1,000 tuition rebate. Students will receive the rebate after they pay all applicable fees and begin classes in the fall term.

The College is also offering a referral incentive. If you refer a friend or family member who is an onshore international student to Parkland College and they begin a post-secondary program in the fall, you’ll be eligible for a $250 VISA gift card. Click here to access the online referral form.

For more details about admissions for international students, including programs, fees, and application requirements, please visit international.parklandcollege.sk.ca.

International Student Tuition Rebate
When your family member or friend applies to a post-secondary certificate or diploma program at Parkland College as an onshore international student, they will receive a $1,000 tuition rebate

Instructions:
1) Apply online to a post-secondary or post-graduate certificate or diploma program at Parkland College. Your application will be automatically considered for the tuition rebate if you apply after May 15, 2021.
2) Follow the steps to gain Acceptance to your program of choice.
3) Pay the full tuition and begin classes.
4) You will receive a $1,000 tuition rebate from Parkland College.

Eligibility Criteria:
This rebate applies only to onshore international students who apply to Parkland College after May 15, 2021. You must have a Canadian address and be residing in Canada as of May 15, 2021. You must apply to one of our post-secondary or post-graduate certificate or diploma programs (University and Corporate Training programs do not qualify for this promotion). If you applied to Parkland College before May 15, 2021 but a friend or family member has submitted a referral form with your name, you are still eligible for the $1,000 tuition rebate. Tuition rebates will be distributed after classes begin in the fall. You must pay your full tuition and your student account must be in good standing in order to be eligible to receive the $1,000 tuition rebate.

International Student Referral Incentive
You will receive a $250 gift card when you refer a friend or family member who is an onshore international student to Parkland College and they begin a post-secondary program with us in Fall 2021.

Instructions:
1) Complete the Online Referral Form with the name of a family member or friend who is currently in Canada and interested in attending a post-secondary program at Parkland College as an international student.
2) Your friend or family member will need to submit an application to Parkland College as an international student to one of our post-secondary certificate or diploma programs. (University programs are not eligible.)
3) Once classes begin in the fall, we will contact you to find out where to send your $250 gift card.

Eligibility Criteria:
In order to make a referral, you must have a Canadian address. Parkland College staff members are not eligible for this program. Your referral must be an international student residing in Canada as of May 15, 2021. There is no limit to the number of referrals you can submit. Each referral will require a separate Google form submission. You will only receive a $250 gift card if your referral pays their full tuition and begins classes with us in the fall. If your family member or friend has already submitted an application to Parkland College for a program starting in Fall 2021, you can still submit a referral form and be eligible for this program. If multiple referrals are submitted for the same student, the referred student will be contacted to confirm who will receive the $250 gift card. Only one $250 gift card will be awarded per referred student.

Great Plains, Cumberland, and Parkland Colleges have established an International Recruitment and Admissions partnership heading into the 2021-22 academic year. A two-year pilot project in which one individual will recruit for all three organizations solely on the international file will begin in October 2021.

“We are very excited to see this partnership and pilot project come to fruition,” exclaimed Great Plains College president and CEO David Keast. “The partnership will allow us to build off of our foundational knowledge and collective expertise and will help mitigate the risks of international recruitment, in terms of mobility and costs, going forward.”

The two-year pilot will enable the colleges to become more independent in terms of reliance on external agencies for student recruitment and efficiencies including, but not limited to, cost savings.

“This is a cost-effective approach to international recruitment and admissions for the college system,” said Cumberland and Parkland College’s president and CEO Mark Hoddenbagh. “It has the potential to build a foundation for further college partnerships after the pilot period and truly benefit our local economies.”

Great Plains and Cumberland Colleges have been accepting international students since 2015 and Parkland has been doing so since 2014. Learn more about the programs accepting international students at Parkland College, Cumberland College, and Great Plains College.

Parkland College will celebrate the graduates of 2020-2021 in a virtual ceremony next month.

The Graduation Committee has announced that the College will produce a pre-recorded video celebration, which will premiere on the Parkland College YouTube channel on Wednesday, June 16 at 2:00 p.m. The virtual ceremony will include traditional greetings and messages, as well as a performance by a drumming group, before displaying photos of the graduates and announcing their names.

Students who are or will be graduating have been asked to submit a photo to be included in a slideshow as this year’s graduates are announced. Packages containing certificates/diplomas, along with an alumni pin, grad program, and souvenir cap and tassel, will be mailed to the graduates as programs end.

Students are asked to confirm their mailing address and submit any forms, information, and photos by May 25.

For more detailed information, please visit our Graduation webpage.

Office Administration students are done for the year, capping a successful Parkland College-Cumberland College Coalition pilot project.

The one-year Office Administration certificate was the first program delivered jointly by two regional colleges in Saskatchewan. Administration costs were shared between Parkland and Cumberland, and classes were conducted entirely online through Brightspace and WebEx platforms.

The decision to deliver the program jointly and online was made in part due to COVID-19 restrictions and the colleges’ Blended Learning approach.

“I didn’t really understand what it meant, but it’s actually a very cool thing,” one student said about the unique program experience. “I’m glad I got to be a part of it.”

In a learner survey, 100% of students felt they were treated equally as their classmates from the other college, and 92% said they would recommend this program to others.

“I thought it was pretty neat,” another student said. “It’s nice to get the opportunity to work with people from all over the province, especially during lockdown.”

Jenna Niebergall, Chair of Post-Secondary Education at Parkland College, attributes the program’s success mainly to the adaptable and patient instructors who were up for the challenge of teaching a fully online course under difficult circumstances.

On the heels of this year’s success, Office Administration will again be offered jointly by the two colleges online in the 2021-2022 academic year.

Parkland College and Cumberland College are developing plans for a safe return to face-to-face learning for Fall 2021 programs.

As more people in the province get the COVID-19 vaccine, the Ministry of Health and the Chief Medical Health Officer are supporting the Saskatchewan post-secondary sector’s plans for a return to more in-person instruction. However, institutions are prepared to adjust plans and timelines at any point as the pandemic evolves.

The Parkland-Cumberland Coalition delivered classes in the 2020-2021 year through Blended Learning, a mix of online, face-to-face, and alternative programming. In-person learning, including hands-on labs and shop time, was conducted with health and safety precautions in place.

“We learned a lot this year, and we admire our students and staff for being resilient and achieving their goals in these challenging times,” said President & CEO Dr. Mark Hoddenbagh. “While our plan is to get back to on-campus instruction, Blended Learning will continue to be a key part of our institutions, providing flexibility and fostering innovation as we serve learners across our region.”

The health and safety of students and staff remains the top priority as fall plans are developed. The colleges will continue to follow public health orders, working with the Ministry of Advanced Education and the Ministry of Health to ensure that necessary protections are in place to keep people safe.

Students are encouraged to monitor the colleges’ websites for additional details about their specific program and classes. Details will be communicated to students as 2021-2022 programming decisions are finalized.

About Parkland College:
Parkland College provides high quality, learner-centred education and training as a foundation for lifelong success. The college offers a superior learning and campus experience with locations in Yorkton, Melville, Fort Qu’Appelle, Esterhazy, Canora, and Kamsack.

About Cumberland College:
Since 1975, Cumberland College has been providing high quality training and education programs for adults in northeastern Saskatchewan. Campuses are located in Nipawin, Melfort, and Tisdale.

For more information, contact:
Brendan Wagner
Coordinator, Corporate & Internal Engagement
Parkland College
Email: [email protected]

Brenda Mellon
Manager, Marketing and Continuing Studies
Cumberland College
Email: [email protected]

Training can help employers navigate the new normal. In these challenging economic times, the Government of Saskatchewan has extended the application deadline for the Re-Open Saskatchewan Training Subsidy, which can provide 100 per cent reimbursement of training costs to help deal with the impacts of COVID-19.

As a Saskatchewan post-secondary institution, Parkland College is an eligible training provider for the subsidy.

The application deadline has been extended to June 30, 2021. Training must be a minimum of eight hours in length per trainee and completed within four months.

Suggested Online Courses include:
> Leadership & Management
> Leadership Suite
> Building Teams That Work
> New Manager Suite
> Digital Marketing Suite
> Business Marketing Writing
> Creating Web Pages
> Intro to PC Security
> Marketing your Business on the Internet
> Using Social Media in Business
> Interpersonal Conflict
> Project Management Fundamentals

Browse our entire catalog of online ed2go courses here.

Other Courses:
Leadership Skills for Front Line Managers
May 18 & 19, 2021
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Trades & Technology Centre, Yorkton

Mental Health First Aid
May 4 & 5, 2021 – Virtual/Remote Delivery
June 2 & 3, 2021 – Trades & Technology Centre, Yorkton
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

*Note that all of the extensive Parkland College COVID-19 safety protocols for in-person training have been approved by the Ministry of Advanced Education. Parkland College’s top priority is the health and safety of clients, staff, and the community.

Every business has different needs. Additional courses other than those listed above could be eligible.

For more information, please call 306.786.2761 or email [email protected]

Parkland College has temporarily eliminated the application fee for the Office Administration and Continuing Care Assistant certificate programs.

For the month of April, domestic students can apply to Office Admin or CCA for $0. Online applications usually carry a $60 application fee.

To get started, visit the Office Administration or Continuing Care Assistant webpages and click on “Apply for Admission.”

If you have questions about the promotion, or if you want to learn more about these programs, call us toll free at 1.866.783.6766 or email [email protected]

Parkland College has awarded $48,200 to 50 students from across the region in this year’s Internal Scholarships. Combined with Entrance Scholarships handed out in the fall, Parkland College awarded more than $77,000 in the 2020-21 academic year.

These awards are made possible through the generosity of local businesses, organizations, community members, College staff, and sponsors and participants in the Dollars for Scholars Golf Classic.

Eligible post-secondary awards are partially matched by funds from the Ministry of Advanced Education’s Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunity Scholarship program. Funds are provided to supplement the contributions of local non-government donors.

Students interested in learning more about the scholarships available at Parkland College are encouraged to visit scholarships.parklandcollege.sk.ca. Entrance Scholarships for students beginning Parkland College programs this fall will be awarded in September 2021. Applications for those awards are being accepted until May 15 at http://bit.ly/2021Entrance.

About Parkland College:
Parkland College provides scholarships to students pursuing post-secondary education locally. Contributions to the Scholarship Initiative help Parkland College maintain the ability to contribute to the education and training of residents in the Parkland area. The initiative positively impacts the lives of individuals and families, as well as communities and businesses within the Parkland region.

For more information contact:
Brendan Wagner
Coordinator, Corporate & Internal Engagement
Parkland College
Phone: 306.728.6595

Water and wastewater operators play an integral role in the maintenance of a clean water supply supporting the health and wellbeing of our communities. Parkland College and ATAP Infrastructure Management Ltd. are joining forces to ensure communities have access to the training they need to keep their water supplies safe and secure.

Parkland and ATAP have signed a partnership agreement to provide training in Class 1 Water and Wastewater Operator courses in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The courses will be delivered through a blended model which provides flexibility in scheduling and location of training. Courses can be offered in person, remotely, or a combination of the two.

“This agreement is a great opportunity for the College and the communities we serve,” said Dr. Mark Hoddenbagh, President and CEO of Parkland College. “Blended Learning will make it easier for communities and municipalities to access this important training and benefit from ATAP’s expertise.”

ATAP brings to the partnership extensive engineering knowledge, an established curriculum, and expert instructors. The College provides a learning management system, instructional design experience, and IT support. Both organizations also have connections to partners throughout Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

“Over the past 20 years, ATAP has instructed certification courses and CEU workshops to thousands of operators across the Prairies,” said ATAP Manager Andrew Stevenson. “Our experience, from performing the same hands-on services onsite daily that we teach about, allows our instructors to transfer that real-life knowledge back to the students. We are excited to be partnering with a premier organization in Parkland College.”

The training is expected to launch in the fall of 2021. It will be made up of preparatory courses in water treatment, water distribution, wastewater treatment, and wastewater collection.

There is high demand for this type of training. Many towns, First Nation communities, and municipalities have identified needs in the area of water stewardship. Organizations interested in this training are invited to submit requests in advance.

About Parkland College:
Parkland College provides high quality, learner centred education and training as a foundation for lifelong success. The College offers a superior learning and campus experience for all students through quality programming and services. Students can get started on their careers by completing university classes, full degrees, and skills training and trades certificates. Parkland College also delivers high school upgrading, safety training, and corporate/professional development.

About ATAP Infrastructure Management Ltd.:
ATAP assists municipalities, Indigenous communities, and industry to operate and maintain their water, wastewater, and infrastructure through training, troubleshooting, and hands-on field services.

For more information contact:
Brendan Wagner
Coordinator, Corporate & Internal Engagement
Parkland College
Phone: 306.728.6595

Paul Pinder, P.Eng.
Vice President & General Manager
ATAP
Phone: 306.653.4969

Parkland College announced Monday the launch of Introduction to Farm Hand, a new program developed to meet the labour needs of growing farm operations.

Introduction to Farm Hand is a short course that provides the basic skills and hands-on training needed to work on a grain farm in Saskatchewan. The first course module, beginning April 17, focuses on seeding and the busy spring season.

“This program is designed to meet the need for more skilled labour on Saskatchewan’s farms,” said Connie Brown, Manager of Business Development at Parkland College. “Farmers can send current or potential employees through the program to develop their skills. And it gives general labourers without a farm background the opportunity to gain the experience needed to work in agriculture.”

Participants will receive a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on experience over three Saturdays: April 17, April 24, and May 1. The Town of Lemberg is partnering with the College to host the training, at the town office and at a nearby farm.

The course provides an overview of field crops, Power Mobile Equipment theory, and hands-on training with selected pieces of farm equipment. Participants will also learn about basic farm safety and moving equipment safely around work sites.

Interested individuals can register or get more information by calling 306.786.2760.

About Parkland College:
Parkland College provides high quality, learner centred education and training as a foundation for lifelong success. The College offers a superior learning and campus experience for all students through quality programming and services. Students can get started on their careers by completing university classes, full degrees, and skills training and trades certificates. Parkland College also delivers high school upgrading, safety training, and corporate/professional development.

For more information contact:
Brendan Wagner
Coordinator, Corporate & Internal Engagement
Parkland College
Phone: 306.728.6595

The Parkland College-Cumberland College Coalition officially launched its new five-year Strategic Plan today in an online event.

The 2020-2025 Strategic Plan is titled Stronger Together (PDF, 326 KB). The planning process began more than a year ago with public consultations in 16 communities across east-central and northeast Saskatchewan. It also incorporated feedback from learners, staff, employers, and the colleges’ Boards of Governors.

The plan defines a purpose for the Coalition of providing education and training to address regional labour market needs, preparing learners for employment and further education, and supporting the sustainable social, environmental, and economic development of employers and communities. It introduces a shared vision and mission, as well as seven key values. Four strategic pillars stand on this foundation, accompanied by a set of goals and objectives to guide the Coalition’s efforts and measure its success.

“This launch is a celebration of our two regional colleges and their collaboration to create a visionary plan that sets the direction for the Coalition,” said President & CEO Dr. Mark Hoddenbagh. “It is bold, innovative, and will help us increase our positive impact in our communities.”

The plan introduces the concept of the “E-Shaped Learner.” While the colleges excel at developing technical skills, this model supplements them with entrepreneurial, electronic literacy, and employability skills.

Saskatchewan’s Advanced Education Minister Gene Makowsky and Colleges and Institutes of Canada (CICan) President & CEO Denise Amyot provided messages of support during the launch.

“I think the title of the plan, Stronger Together, is more relevant today than likely ever before,” Makowsky said. “The Coalition’s contributions are making positive and sustainable impacts and enriching the lives of students and local communities.”

“Your strategic plan is not just a matter of delivering credentials,” Amyot noted, “but it is a holistic, ongoing approach that involves learners, faculty, employers, Indigenous peoples, and a host of community and government partners.”

With the recent two-year extension of the initial two-year pilot, the Coalition is well positioned to implement the initiatives outlined in the plan, focusing on positive outcomes for the colleges’ students, regions, and employers. The full Strategic Plan may be accessed at the About Us section of our website.

About Parkland College:
Parkland College provides high quality, learner-centred education and training as a foundation for lifelong success. The college offers a superior learning and campus experience with locations in Yorkton, Melville, Fort Qu’Appelle, Esterhazy, Canora, and Kamsack.

About Cumberland College:
Since 1975, Cumberland College has been providing high quality training and education programs for adults in northeastern Saskatchewan. Campuses are located in Nipawin, Melfort, and Tisdale.

In the midst of COVID-19, and in the middle of winter, it can be difficult to visualize better times ahead. But in a time of stress, it can help to think optimistically about the future.

With that in mind, the Parkland College-Cumberland College Coalition is introducing the #LookingForwardTo campaign on the colleges’ social media channels. Students, staff, and followers are encouraged to comment on these posts, or share pictures or GIFs, to illustrate their own personal hopes and expectations once restrictions loosen and the pandemic is over.

You can also tag your friends to see what they’re #LookingForwardTo once COVID-19 is history.

Although we can’t ignore the challenges and severe consequences we are facing right now, sharing messages of hope and optimism can help us get through it all together.

Special thanks to Brandon University for the inspiration.

In the face of climate change and food security concerns, environmental sustainability is more important than ever. That’s why Parkland College is partnering with Wakayos Employment and Training Centre on a new Essential Skills program in Balcarres.

Essential Skills for Environmental Sustainability begins March 8. The three-month course is an eco-friendly program that will teach construction basics with a focus on roofing systems. Participants will receive entry-level certification in solar panel installation, along with First Aid/CPR, WHMIS, and Fall Protection training. On-site job-shadows and tours will be provided, as well.

The course is ideal for anyone thinking about an environmentally sustainable career or for those with an interest in alternative energy sources and growing food at home.

If you’re interested, please call or email to pre-register. You’ll need to attend one of the three intake sessions on Feb. 10, Feb. 11, or Feb. 23.

To register, or for more information, please contact the Essential Skills team:

Amanda Reeve
306.641.9171
[email protected]

Parkland College announces that Dana Wilkins has been hired as Vice President of Partnerships and Business Development, effective Feb. 1.

In this new role, Wilkins will primarily be responsible for leading and directing Strategic Plan objectives in the areas of partnership development, corporate training, marketing and branding, student recruitment, and applied research. He will work out of the Trades & Technology Centre in Yorkton.

In addition, Wilkins will be assigned the Chief Partnership and Business Development Officer role for the Parkland College-Cumberland College Coalition.

“We are thrilled to have Dana join our team,” said Dr. Mark Hoddenbagh, President and CEO of the two colleges. “This position is integral to meeting the goals and objectives of the Coalition 2020-2025 Strategic Plan. As we build on our employer and community relationships, and extend our reach to existing and new partners through corporate training, applied research, and other services, we will leverage these to continue our focus on the needs and success of our students.”

Wilkins has a wealth of business development consulting experience. He previously spent 13 years in senior executive leadership positions with the Ministry of Justice. He also holds an Executive Masters of Business Administration (EMBA) from the Kenneth Levene School of Business at the University of Regina.

About Parkland College:
Parkland College provides high quality, learner centred education and training as a foundation for lifelong success. The College offers a superior learning and campus experience for all students through quality programming and services. Students can get started on their careers by completing university classes, full degrees, and skills training and trades certificates. Parkland College also delivers high school upgrading, safety training, and corporate/professional development.

For more information contact:
Brendan Wagner
Coordinator, Corporate & Internal Engagement
Parkland College
Phone: 306.728.6595

This spring, Parkland College will deliver a four-month program to train participants for careers in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

The Enhanced Career Bridging – Hospitality & Tourism Careers course runs from March 1 to June 23, 2021, at Parkland College’s Main Campus in Yorkton.

Information and intake sessions are scheduled for Feb. 16 and Feb. 17 at the Main Campus. Sessions begin at 10:30 a.m. both days.

The course includes industry certifications like Safe Food Handling, Responsible Service of Alcohol, and Customer Service. Upon completion, participants will also receive credit towards a designated trade for Food and Beverage Server and Bartender.

To register, or for more information, please contact the Essential Skills team:

Jenna Stoppler
306.620.7152
[email protected]

Are you interested in supporting your fellow students while adding some valuable volunteer experience to your resume? Then consider participating in the peer-to-peer health outreach program.

Click here for a detailed description of the volunteer opportunity and the Peer Health outreach program.

To apply, or for more information, please contact:
Sophia Thomas
[email protected]

With Christmas just around the corner, Parkland College is planning to bring some cheer to students in need. The College will distribute gift cards to help students buy groceries for holiday meals.

A staff committee is collecting cash donations from employees which will be used to purchase gift cards at food retailers in the area. The College organized a similar initiative at Thanksgiving which made a significant difference for dozens of students and their families.

Students can nominate themselves or another student (with their consent) to receive one of these gift cards. The online nomination form can be accessed at https://bit.ly/ParklandXmas. Nominations will be accepted until Monday, Dec. 14 at 12 p.m.

Students selected to receive a gift card will be contacted by a College staff member. The gift cards are scheduled to be distributed to students on Wednesday, Dec. 16.

Parkland College is running another session of the Youth Employability & Skills Strategy (YESS) program. Introduced earlier this fall, the initiative is designed to help youth between 15 and 30 years of age train for their future and secure employment.

The program features diverse training areas and target outcomes. Participants receive advanced Essential Skills training, life skills/soft skills, and employment readiness. Students are mentored throughout the program and given on-the-job training opportunities. They also acquire industry certifications including First Aid/CPR, Food Safety, Serve It Right, STEC Customer Service, Mental Health First Aid, and more.

The 2021 program runs from Jan. 4 to Mar. 26. Classes are scheduled Monday to Friday, 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at the Parkland College Main Campus in Yorkton.

Students must pre-register. Intake is underway.

To register, or for more information, please contact the Essential Skills team:
Jenna Stoppler
306.620.7152
[email protected]

As of Monday, November 16, staff, students, and visitors will be required to wear masks at all Parkland College campuses and training sites, at all times, to help limit the spread of COVID-19.

This is an expansion of existing protocols, as masks have been required at Parkland College since late August.

Starting on Monday, masks will be mandatory in all areas, even when physical distancing of two metres is maintained. This applies to all individuals inside the classroom (students as well as instructors). Staff, students, and visitors are expected to arrive on campus with their own mask.

Parkland College continues to adhere to public health guidelines as delivered by the Government of Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Officer. The health, safety, and security of students and staff is the College’s top priority.

Parkland College awarded 18 Entrance Scholarships this fall with a combined value of approximately $29,000. All Entrance Scholarship recipients are taking university, skills training, or trades programs at Parkland College in the 2020-21 year.

These scholarships are made possible through the generosity of local businesses, community organizations, Parkland College staff, and the Ministry of Advanced Education’s Saskatchewan Innovation & Opportunity Scholarship (SIOS) program. SIOS is a matching program in which funds are provided to supplement local non-government donors.

Students interested in learning more about scholarship opportunities at Parkland College are encouraged to visit scholarships.parklandcollege.sk.ca. Internal Scholarships for students already enrolled in Parkland College programs will be awarded in March 2021. Applications for those awards will be available to students beginning in December. Entrance Scholarships for students beginning a Parkland College program in the fall of 2021 will be open for applications from March to May 2021.

About Parkland College:
Parkland College provides scholarships to students pursuing post-secondary education locally. Contributions to the Scholarship Initiative help Parkland College maintain the ability to contribute to the education and training of residents in the Parkland area. The initiative positively impacts the lives of individuals and families, as well as communities and businesses within the Parkland region. This is the 23rd year that Parkland College has offered scholarships to its students.

For more information contact:
Brendan Wagner
Scholarship Committee Chairperson
Parkland College
Phone: 306.728.6595

Parkland College is looking for feedback from students on how the College handled the COVID-19 crisis and the subsequent transition to Blended Learning.

The College has launched a survey to gauge how students are managing a very different educational experience this year.

Feedback is anonymous. Students who submit a response will be prompted to complete a separate optional survey which will enter them into a prize draw.

Responses will be accepted until Nov. 12, 2020.

Thanks to cash donations from Parkland College staff, and generous contributions from several businesses in Yorkton, more than 60 students from throughout the region are receiving a food hamper just in time for Thanksgiving.

Over the past week, students were able to be nominated to receive a hamper filled with food items such as canned vegetables, soup, pasta, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. Sixty-five students from Yorkton, Melville, Kamsack, and Fort Qu’Appelle received a hamper for the holiday.

Legacy Co-op in Yorkton provided reusable bags and a $500 gift card to spend on food. Save-On-Foods, Superstore, Giant Tiger, and Canadian Tire also donated gift cards and supplies to help with this giveaway.

“Parkland College is grateful for the support,” said President & CEO Mark Hoddenbagh. “It’s a terrific example of the community coming together, especially in these challenging times.”

Parkland College, Good Spirit School Division, and Christ The Teacher Catholic Schools have cancelled the Career Explorations education and job fair for 2020 due to COVID-19.

Public gatherings in Saskatchewan are currently limited to 30 people and physical distancing guidelines remain in effect. Every November, upwards of 2,000 students from Yorkton and area travel to the Gallagher Centre in Yorkton to attend Career Explorations. The event attracts up to 100 exhibitors from across Saskatchewan and Western Canada to meet these students.

“We began tentative planning in the spring, but it is now clear that hosting Career Explorations is not possible this fall,” said lead organizer Brendan Wagner of Parkland College. “We have been monitoring the COVID situation through the summer and we are continuing to follow the recommendations of public health officials, which unfortunately means that this event is not feasible this year.”

The organizing committee will examine potential options for online or virtual events during the 2020-21 academic year.

“Career Explorations is a terrific opportunity for students to learn about the many post-secondary and career options awaiting them. We will work with the school divisions to look at other ways of delivering this valuable event,” Wagner said.

About Parkland College:
Parkland College provides high quality, learner centred education and training as a foundation for lifelong success. The College offers a superior learning and campus experience for all students through quality programming and services. Students can get started on their careers by completing university classes, full degrees, and skills training and trades certificates. Parkland College also delivers high school upgrading, safety training, and corporate/professional development.

For more information contact:
Brendan Wagner
Coordinator, Corporate & Internal Engagement
Parkland College
Phone: 306.728.6595

In 2019, many Parkland College students participated in an Orange Shirt Day project in which they depicted what reconciliation means to them by decorating squares of orange fabric.

On September 30, 2020 — Orange Shirt Day — the College unveiled quilts made out of those squares. The unique blankets are now on display at campuses in Yorkton, Melville, Fort Qu’Appelle, and Kamsack.

The College thanks the following quilters for donating their time by piecing together the squares, and framing and backing the blankets:

• Carol White (Melville)
• Ruth Erickson (Fort Qu’Appelle)
• Lynda Cherwenuk and Colleen Koroluk, Heart & Home Quilt Club (Kamsack)
• Barb Ferrier and Delores Pilipow of Innovative Quilting in Melville (Yorkton)

Special thanks to Ferrier and Pilipow for working on the very large (8 feet by 9 feet) blanket on display at the Main Campus, and to Pilipow for donating the material for the backing and the quilt batting.

The College is grateful for the contribution of these community members who were so willing to donate their time and talents in the spirit of reconciliation.

The Yorkton & District Community Foundation (YDCF) has awarded a grant of almost $8,000 to Parkland College to help fund mental health supports and tutorials for the new academic year.

The YDCF is responsible for delivering the federal government’s Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) in Yorkton and surrounding communities. The fund is aimed at helping community groups to serve vulnerable Canadians during the COVID-19 crisis.

Through the ECSF, $75,000 was made available to assist charities and qualifying recipients in the Yorkton area. Grants were also awarded to SaskAbilities, Boys & Girls Club of Yorkton, SIGN (Society for the Involvement of Good Neighbours), and Rail City Industries in Melville.

About Parkland College:
Parkland College provides high quality, learner centred education and training as a foundation for lifelong success. The College offers a superior learning and campus experience for all students through quality programming and services. Students can get started on their careers by completing university classes, full degrees, and skills training and trades certificates. Parkland College also delivers high school upgrading, safety training, and corporate/professional development.

For more information contact:
Brendan Wagner
Coordinator, Corporate & Internal Engagement
Parkland College
Phone: 306.728.6595

The application portal for the CIBC Future Heroes Bursary has been re-opened for Parkland College students after no eligible submissions were received during the initial application period this summer.

Two bursaries are designated for Parkland College students in 2020-21, each valued at $2,500.

Parkland College students are eligible to apply if they are enrolled in the first year of a certificate, diploma, bachelor degree, or applied bachelor program in health care, such as Practical Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing, Pre-Medicine, or Continuing Care Assistant. Complete eligibility requirements, conditions, and other details can be found here.

Click here to access the application portal. Applications will be accepted until 11 a.m. CST on Sept. 23, at which time the portal will close for the current school year, regardless of the number of applications received.