Sask Polytech enters partnership with Microsoft

Microsoft and Saskatchewan Polytechnic announced this week that they have entered into a partnership that will provide learners throughout Saskatchewan with the digital skills they need to help the province recover economically in the post-pandemic reality.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shined a spotlight on the need for accelerated digital transformation throughout many sectors of our economy.

Through this collaboration, Sask Polytech will deliver the Canada Skills Program to bolster the data and AI skills and employability of learners. Microsoft will be certifying Sask Polytech faculty as Microsoft Certified Trainers providing the fundamental skills that are in high demand as the economy emerges from the challenges caused by COVID-19.

“The pandemic has accelerated digital transformation at unimaginable rates, making skills in cloud, data and AI more important than ever,” Kevin Peesker, president, Microsoft Canada said

“Microsoft developed the Canada Skills Program to help strengthen the innovation economy by building a talent pipeline equipped with the skills they need for future success.”

“These kinds of partnerships are critical, not only for Saskatchewan’s post-secondary institutions, but for our provincial economy,” Advanced Education Minister Tina Beaudry-Mellor said.

“Matching the training we offer to labour force needs provides a foundation for economic growth, including the kind of tech sector growth we strive for in the province’s Growth Plan.”

“Saskatchewan Polytechnic is proud to be one of just 12 post-secondary institutions in Canada to be a part of the Microsoft Canada Skills Program,” Sask Polytech president and CEO Dr. Larry Rosia said.

“This collaboration means learners will be in a much better position to adapt to the increasing digital acceleration that was already underway well before the COVID-19 pandemic began. This is a great opportunity for learners to reskill or acquire new skills to support our province’s growing technology sector and contribute to our provincial economy.”

The Microsoft Canada Skills Program is the company’s latest initiative aimed at giving Canadians the skills they need for the digital economy. Earlier this year, Microsoft announced a global training program to help 25 million workers who lost their jobs as a result of COVID-19, providing free training and access to learning tools across Microsoft, LinkedIn and GitHub.

The Microsoft Canada Skills Program provides opportunities for students to acquire in-demand digital skills and certifications enabling them to graduate with both a Microsoft certification, as well as a Sask Polytech credential.

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