Shaynee Modien
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Shaunavon Standard
It was an exciting day for high school students as they attended the Careers in Agriculture and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) event on October 24 in Swift Current.
Mackenzie Veason, Recruitment Coordinator at Great Plains College in Swift Current, said the event ran from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Great Plains College, and then from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Swift Current Research and Development Centre.In collaboration with the Chinook School Division, the Regina Education Industry Education Council, Great Plains College, and the Swift Current Research and Development Centre,this was the second year for the increasingly popular event.
With approximately 60 high school students from across the southwest in attendance this year, the number of attendees more than tripled from two years ago when the event was last held.
The students in attendance were from grades 10 to 12 and came from all over the southwest within the Chinook School Division “Two years ago, we had maybe 20 students, so the word seems to be getting out,” said Veason. “This year we had students traveling in from all different areas who were interested in agriculture.”
Students attending Great Plains College portion Careers in Ag. and STEM event Oct.24 2025 Swift Current,Sk.
The split-day program started at the Great Plains College location in Swift Current, where the focus was on promoting careers in agriculture. A few different businesses set up interactive booths to share with students the various occupations and jobs in the agricultural field, including SWT, Patterson Ag, Ag and Ex, Next Gen Seeds, and Brett Young Seeds.
It was a great opportunity for students to get a close look at the types of jobs available in agriculture.”Part of our focus was also to let students know that you don’t always have to come from a farming background to be in the agriculture industry,” stated Veason.
The college also promoted its own programs, with students running a variety of booths to share with the high school students what they had learned in the agriculture science program.
The afternoon portion of the program was at the Swift Current Research and Development Centre.Students visited several different departments throughout the Research Station, including crop science, soil science, laboratories, cattle research, automotive services, and more.
They had the opportunity to speak directly with scientists and staff from each area to learn about their work and how it suppor ts farmers, strengthens the agriculture industry,and contributes to safe, healthy food production.
Through these hands – on discussions and demonstrations, students gained valuable insight into the wide range of career opportunities available in agriculture and STEM fields
The financial support for this program was provided under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.
