To the lay person, it might be best described as a “doohickey,” “whatyemacallit” or “thingamajig.”
However, for SIAST Palliser Campus electrical engineering technology students, its a brand new DC motor operating with a fully digital programmable logic controller (PLC), as well as a much appreciated gift from SaskPower.
For the 11th year in a row, SaskPower announced significant financial donations for SIAST’s electrical engineering technology laboratory.
This year, the $28,500 donated went towards purchasing the new motor and PLC, which 22-year-old program student Wade Tipper operated as part of a demonstration during a press conference at the lab on Tuesday.
“This is the wave of the future,” he told the Times-Herald. Tipper said the previous lab motor used manual controls and the new equipment is more appropriate to what is actually used on the field.
Ray Desjarlais, SaskPower community engagement supervisor, said its important for SaskPower to fund SIAST programs, because SIAST is a key contributor to the province’s power industry employment numbers.
“I guess (SIAST) is a training ground for future employment.”
According to Desjarlais, SaskPower needs more employees, as the company considers the number of staff about to retire, as well as the Saskatchewan’s projected future energy needs.
“We’re going to need people.”
