Saskatchewan high school students are getting a hands-on introduction to the autobody industry thanks to a partnership between Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre (Sask DLC) and Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
The two institutions are offering a one-day learning camp at Sask Polytech’s Regina campus for students enrolled in online autobody courses. The camp gives students the chance to learn directly from instructors and hear from industry professionals.
"Sask DLC is committed to offering high-quality learning opportunities for high school students exploring potential career paths," said Everett Hindley, Minister Responsible for Sask DLC. "The automotive industry remains a key driver in our province, and through our partnerships, we are pleased to see students that are interested in this field gain valuable hands-on experience that will help them succeed as they move from high school into their future careers."
The camp aims to help students confirm or refine their career goals, offering them a deeper look at post-secondary options and skilled trades training. Students who attend the optional camp earn six credit hours toward their course work placement requirements.
"We are always excited to host learning camps with Sask DLC to support students aspiring to build careers in the automotive industry," said Sask Polytech President and CEO Dr. Larry Rosia. "High school students gain valuable insights and benefits from exploring trades and participating in these interactive camps on campus. This is a great opportunity to learn more about options in the automotive industry and at Sask Polytech."
Interest in Sask DLC’s autobody programming is growing. For the 2024–25 school year, more than 205 students are registered in high school autobody courses, including 62 with work placements. In the previous year, 21 students completed either Autobody 10 or 20-level courses with work placements, while 56 students took a theory-only version of the introductory course.
Sask DLC currently offers four autobody courses to students across the province. The introductory 10-level course can be taken fully online or as a blended option that includes a 25-hour work placement. At the 20-level, students complete 50 hours of online theory alongside 50 hours of in-person work placement at a local business.
Work placements are made possible through a partnership with the Saskatchewan Association of Automotive Repairers (SAAR), which helps connect students with local opportunities in their home communities.
"Our association is pleased to introduce students to opportunities in industry," said SAAR Executive Director Tom Bissonnette. "Work placements in industry provide students with fundamental and practical skills to go alongside their Sask DLC course learning."
The autobody program is part of a broader suite of Sask DLC offerings that combine online instruction with real-world experience. Other programs with work placements or hands-on components include agriculture equipment technician, construction and carpentry, electrical, oil and gas, mechanical and automotive, parts technician, power engineering, precision agriculture, tourism, and welding.
Registration is now open for Sask DLC’s 2025–26 autobody courses. Students enrolled full-time with Sask DLC or attending local high schools can register to supplement their in-person learning. Interested students are encouraged to speak with a school administrator or guidance counsellor.
More information on available online courses with work placements can be found at saskDLC.ca.