Industry & Education Opportunities

A Friendly Nudge from Your SAAR Conscience

Every once in a while, I like to remind everyone that the future of our automotive industry won’t magically appear like a perfectly repaired bumper—someone actually has to put in the work. And in Saskatchewan, we’re lucky to have a whole crew of education and training organizations doing their part: Sask Distance Learning, Regina & District Industry & Education, Saskatoon Industry & Education, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Peacock High School, Swervin’ Mervin Mini Indy, and Skills Saskatchewan.

These folks are out there championing our industry, inspiring students, and helping build the next generation of technicians, painters, estimators, and shop leaders. But here’s the catch: they can’t do it alone. They need us—yes, us—the people who know the difference between a torque wrench and a turkey baster.

Now, I get it. You’re busy. You’ve got cars stacked up, customers calling, and that one job that “should have been done yesterday.” But if you can spare a little time—maybe a shop tour, a classroom visit, a volunteer shift, or even just showing up to an event—you’ll be helping strengthen the talent pipeline we all depend on.

And if your schedule is so packed that even your coffee needs a coffee, there’s still a way to help. Consider joining our monthly Industry & Education Donor Program. It’s painless, it’s impactful, and it helps us meet our commitments to these organizations so they can keep doing the heavy lifting.
In short: if you can participate, fantastic. If you can donate, wonderful. If you can do both, I might just nominate you for sainthood.

Thanks for everything you do to keep our industry strong, connected, and future‑ready.

Warm regards,
Tom Bissonnette
SAAR

Here Are Some Events Where You Can Help

• Wednesday, April 1st (this week):
  Sask Distance Learning will be hosting an auto body introduction from 8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. We could use some volunteers to help with the three workstations where students will try their hand at VR spray painting, sanding high crowns, and working with front sheet metal.
  At 12:00 noon, we’ll have an opportunity to talk to students about the various career opportunities in the automotive repair industry.
• Grade 9 Work Safe “Try a Career” Event – Balgonie
  May 12, 13, and 14, 2026, presented by the Regina District Industry & Education Council.
  Details are still forthcoming, but it would be great to have our auto body, PDR, and GDAS members develop hands‑on activities for students.

If you can help out with either of these events, call or text me at 306‑229‑5254.
In addition to the above, our education and industry partners will be offering summer youth internship programs. This is a six‑week program with a student work placement at your shop. Last year, there were a significant number of student applications, but only one employer stepped up to take a student on. We can do better.

If you can help, please contact:

marcel.lorenz@rdiec.ca or meghan.gardiner@rdiec.ca

Finally, I have requests to fund three separate boot camps—one in Saskatoon and two in Regina. Each boot camp costs $2,500 to run, and based on our budget, I’m not sure we can afford them without your help. Please consider our Industry & Education Donor Program to assist financially.