The Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce is looking to give youth the practical and applied skills necessary to enter the workforce or prepare them to attain higher education, with their recent decision to join the province’s Curriculum Advisory Committee.

The committee consists of education stakeholders, parents and business professionals and will meet to develop future curriculum and high school graduation requirements in Saskatchewan. The committee met for the first time earlier this year.

Darla Lindbjerg President and CEO of The Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce says the chamber decided to join because they feel the voice of business will be important in the discussions around the curriculum.
“Our members want to ensure that the youth in our communities who are the future leaders, employers and employees will continue to grow this province. We’re ensuring that, the voice of business is heard and that the future workforce and future employers are prepared when they come out of school.”

Joining the Curriculum Advisory Board seems like a logical step for the chamber. Lindbjerg explains that the Chamber has always supported the school systems and divisions.
“We have individuals who come and participate on our round tables when we hold them, to give their input from the education system. We partner with them to ensure that we’re having active and effective conversations and that we can help fill gaps if they exist.”

The Chamber hopes with a solid educational foundation, students will be set up for future successes in all later educational endeavours and business leading to economic growth overall.
With the process just beginning Lindbjerg says the committee will have in person meetings up to twice a year, for a maximum of 4 school years. Other conference calls will be scheduled as needed. She believes the advisory committee will be a great tool for the province and hopes to see some very positive results come out of the process.