Social media campaign: What are you #LookingForwardTo?

Posted on by
Reply

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.

Environmental Sustainability course coming to Balcarres

Posted on by
Reply

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
a.reeve@parklandcollege.sk.ca

Parkland College announces hiring of new VP

Posted on by
Reply

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

4-month course offers training for hospitality careers

Posted on by
Reply

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
j.stoppler@parklandcollege.sk.ca

Re-Open Sask Training Subsidy deadline extended

Posted on by
Reply

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 new application deadline is March 31, 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:
Conflict Resolution Skills
March 9 & 10, 2021
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Remote delivery

Leadership Skills for Front Line Managers
January 19 & 20, 2021
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Trades & Technology Centre, Yorkton

Mental Health First Aid
January 26 & 27, 2021 – Fort Qu’Appelle Campus
February 17 & 18, 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 m.pascua@parklandcollege.sk.ca.

Peer Health – Student volunteer opportunity

Posted on by
Reply

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
s.thomas@parklandcollege.sk.ca

Parkland College Staff contributing to gift card giveaway

Posted on by
Reply

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.

YESS program returns with training for youth aged 15 to 30

Posted on by
Reply

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
j.stoppler@parklandcollege.sk.ca

Masks required at all Parkland College locations, at all times, starting Nov. 16

Posted on by
Reply

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 awards almost $30K in Entrance Scholarships

Posted on by
Reply

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.

Scholarship Name Recipient
Canadian Federation of University Women – Yorkton Chapter – Saskatchewan Opportunity University Scholarship Amy Sherman, Melville
CUPE Local 5430 Saskatchewan Opportunity Scholarship Ma Khaildyn Chan, Yorkton
CUPE Local 5430 Saskatchewan Opportunity Scholarship Whitney Dixon, Melville
GX94 / Fox FM Saskatchewan Opportunity Scholarship Zoe Pfeifer, Ebenezer
LEON RAM Companies Saskatchewan Opportunity Skills Training Scholarship Cody Buchberger, Langenburg
Loucks Pharmacy Saskatchewan Opportunity University Scholarship Rebekah Thomas, Canora
Mosaic Potash Saskatchewan Opportunity Skills Training Scholarship Zachary Lapchuk, Norquay
University Education Saskatchewan Opportunity Scholarship Alexis Popowich, Springside
University Education Saskatchewan Opportunity Scholarship Shaylene Erhardt, Kamsack
Walker Wood Foundation Saskatchewan Opportunity Scholarship Leah Jones, Yorkton
Walker Wood Foundation Saskatchewan Opportunity Scholarship Teighan Davis, Yorkton
Walker Wood Foundation Saskatchewan Opportunity Scholarship Maisy Wheeler, Yorkton
Walker Wood Foundation Saskatchewan Opportunity Scholarship Karylle Romulo, Yorkton
Walker Wood Foundation Saskatchewan Opportunity Scholarship Hannah Sevilla, Yorkton
Walker Wood Foundation Saskatchewan Opportunity Scholarship Brynn Jarvis, Yorkton
Walker Wood Foundation Saskatchewan Opportunity Scholarship Brielle Flundra, Yorkton
Yorkton Rotary Club Saskatchewan Opportunity Basic Education Scholarship Frederica Acoose, Yorkton
Yorkton Rotary Club Saskatchewan Opportunity Skills Training Scholarship Shelby Gilmour, Henribourg

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

Blended Learning

Posted on by
Reply

At Parkland College, we are delivering classes in the 2020-21 year through Blended Learning. We are coordinating with post-secondary institutions across Saskatchewan on this hybrid approach to education.

What is Blended Learning anyway?

Blended Learning refers to a mix of online instruction, face-to-face classes, experiential learning, and alternative delivery methods.

Online instruction may occur through a combination of synchronous (occurring at the same time) and asynchronous (not occurring at the same time) delivery methods. This may include scheduled video conferencing, live webcasts, and recorded lectures, modules, assignments, and other exercises accessible when it is convenient for you.

Face-to-face classes may be required for programs with substantial hands-on learning components which are not easily replicated in a virtual environment. In-person classes may also be scheduled if student enrollment and classroom sizes meet physical distancing requirements. As well, programs may be divided into cohorts with separate class schedules to allow students to attend face-to-face classes.

Experiential learning provides learners with opportunities to apply their knowledge and practice their skills in real-life situations, such as a clinical placement in a health care facility or work placement with a local company.

Alternative delivery methods, such as paper packages including instructions and assignments, may be considered where required.

How will this affect my program?

Each program will be affected differently, based on a number of factors:

  • necessity of face-to-face instruction (e.g. hands-on labs and shop time required to complete a program);
  • needs of students (e.g. lack of Internet access/unreliable connections off-campus);
  • availability of space at our campuses;
  • physical distancing guidelines and building capacity limits; and
  • any other restrictions imposed by the government as the pandemic evolves.

Some programs are delivered online more easily than others. Program planning is underway, and specific guidelines will be communicated with students as the fall term approaches.

Why is the College using Blended Learning rather than all-online or exclusively face-to-face instruction?

Blended Learning gives us the flexibility to deliver programs while managing risks associated with COVID-19. Our top priority is to protect the health and safety of students and staff. In the event of a resurgence of the virus in our region or province, we will be better positioned to transition to online-only instruction. But we recognize that many of our programs contain a substantial amount of in-person and hands-on learning, so we want to ensure students receive the highest quality education possible given the current circumstances.

A second reason for moving to Blended Learning is that you will likely experience blended working environments in the workforce. Many organizations are highly digital and it is imperative that our graduates are comfortable with technology. Also, many employers support employee development by providing access to training which can be delivered in face-to-face, blended, or fully online modalities. It is important that you have the skills to learn in all of these environments.

A third reason is that employers typically desire graduates with practical work experience, which is gained through experiential learning. Parkland offers experiential learning opportunities in a number of programs and is working to expand this to other programs.

Parkland College will continue to adhere to public health guidelines as delivered by the Government of Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Officer. Again, our priority, at all levels of the education system, is the health and safety of students and staff. We are prepared to adjust our plan and timelines at any point as the pandemic evolves.

Survey seeks student feedback on COVID response

Posted on by
Reply

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.

Thanksgiving hampers help students

Posted on by
Reply

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.

(Clockwise from bottom left) Counsellors Taylor McDill, Stacey Minken, Sophia Thomas, and Social Work practicum student Amanda Hall organized the donations and prepared the hampers for socially distanced pick-up and delivery.

“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.”

Career Explorations 2020 cancelled

Posted on by
Reply

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

Applications for domestic students to open Nov. 1

Posted on by
Reply

Domestic students wishing to begin their post-secondary studies in the 2021-22 academic year will be able to apply as of Nov. 1.

Due to uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, some programming decisions for 2021-22 are still to be determined. The College is also considering a few new program offerings.

Meanwhile, international applications will open as scheduled on Oct. 1.

If you have questions, please email admissions@parklandcollege.sk.ca.

Special quilts unveiled for Orange Shirt Day

Posted on by
Reply

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.

Parkland College receives federal grant for mental health supports and tutorials

Posted on by
Reply

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

CIBC Future Heroes Bursary application portal re-opened for Parkland College students

Posted on by
Reply

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.

COVID-19

Posted on by
Reply

September 4, 2020 – Message from President & CEO Dr. Mark Hoddenbagh

Resources

Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan
Canada Emergency Student Benefit information
COVID-19 – Possible Funding Sources for Students
Government of Canada Coronavirus Fact Sheet
Parkland College Pandemic Plan
Parkland College Pandemic Planning – Human Resources FAQs
Coronavirus Workplace Poster
Self-Monitoring Information Sheet
Self-Isolation Information Sheet
Coping with Stress, Anxiety & Substance Use during COVID-19

Parkland College to re-open to students & public on August 31

Parkland College campuses will re-open to learners and the public on Monday, August 31. This marks the fourth and final phase of the College’s re-opening plan and is the result of months of preparation for a healthy and safe return to in-person programming.

“We are ready to open our campuses,” said President & CEO Dr. Mark Hoddenbagh. “Our staff have worked incredibly hard over the summer to prepare our facilities to be compliant with COVID-19 guidelines. We have also devoted considerable effort to developing online programming and training our instructors to deliver curriculum online, in order to enrich the educational experience of our learners.”

Parkland College is delivering classes this fall through Blended Learning – a mix of online instruction, face-to-face classes, experiential learning, and alternative delivery methods. Blended Learning gives the College the flexibility to provide instruction while managing risks associated with COVID-19. All programs will have an online component to help limit the number of people on campus.

All visitors, students, and staff are required to wear masks. They are mandatory in hallways, bathrooms, common areas, and any space where physical distancing of two metres cannot be maintained.

Campus access tracking is an essential part of the College’s safety protocols. Members of the public accessing College sites are required to complete a brief health questionnaire and sign in on a visitor log.

Additional safety precautions are in place, including plexiglass shields at reception areas, extra hand sanitizer stations, and frequent cleaning and sanitizing schedules. Some common areas are off-limits or have restricted access, while decals have been placed on floors and signs on walls to help control traffic flow and aid in physical distancing.

“Our shared priority, at all levels of the education system, is the health and safety of students and staff,” Hoddenbagh added. “We are glad to be opening, but we remain ready to adapt at any point as the pandemic evolves.”

May 22, 2020 – Message from President & CEO Dr. Mark Hoddenbagh

Dear Students:

Parkland College and Cumberland College, working closely together in a Coalition, intend to deliver classes this fall through a blend of face-to-face and online learning. We are coordinating with post-secondary institutions across Saskatchewan on this hybrid approach to education.

The blended model follows the guidance of the provincial government’s Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan. Educators believe a combination of in-person classes and online instruction will give you, our students, the best chance of academic success in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The common staged re-opening and blended model will combine online, classroom, laboratory, shop, clinical, and physical instruction. The concept provides the programming flexibility needed to manage the risks of the pandemic while ensuring the continued health and safety of students, faculty, and staff.

Since the pandemic began, Saskatchewan’s post-secondary sector has worked together to keep students and staff safe, and to establish guidelines and protocols for fall programming. We will continue to adhere to public health guidelines as delivered by the Government of Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Officer.

I believe this is fantastic news for our students and staff. The opportunity to deliver high-quality instruction in both face-to-face and alternative formats will enable us to provide you with superb hands-on learning, while also preparing you for the worlds of online learning and work.

Our preparations for the fall include focusing on providing a safe environment for students, faculty, and staff. As we move forward, we are prepared to adjust our plan and timelines at any point as the pandemic evolves.

I encourage you to monitor our website for additional details about specific programs and classes. We will communicate more details with you as we finalize programming decisions.

All the best,

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