Students at SIAST Palliser campus have just finished up their first week. And though they’ve been stuck in classes during a week of beautiful weather, many are still looking forward to the school year.
“The first few days of orientation were just really quick,” said Jane Ventocilla, who is starting her first year towards a business information systems diploma. “You get to meet all of your classmates and then your teachers. Then they get you right into work mode.”
Ventocilla said, after obtaining a university degree in justice studies, the programs at SIAST are a bit of a change.
“It’s a different learning experience for sure as opposed to university. University deals all in theory and SIAST is all hands-on, direct learning,” she said. “I’ve been working for Sasktel for seven years so I thought that me getting this diploma would better my chances when I’m applying to another position.”
But for others, the journey back to the classroom is nothing more than a means to an end. Drake Jackson is a first year electrical student and said he’s only in SIAST for one reason.
“Getting done, getting my ticket and going back to work,” he said, adding that his boss was the one who encouraged him to get his journeyman’s ticket. “It’s just a better way to do it than pre-employment. It’s hands-on work too and going to college and stuff wasn’t for me.”
But for some returning students, time hasn’t been on their side. Corey Harnett is a fourth year electrician student and he said he’s had trouble remembering things he’s learned in past years.
“I forget a lot of stuff,” he said prior to his first test of the year on Friday. “It’s starting to come back though.”
For more on this story, read an upcoming edition of the Times-Herald.
