With technology becoming an ever more common topic of interest for many high school students, the Ministry of Education is introducing a new curriculum to teach students mechanical engineering and coding skills.

Robotics and Automation 10, 20, and 30 will be offered at the secondary level across the province allowing students to build and program a range of vehicles, games, and wearable technology.

Susan Nedelcov-Anderson, Assistant Deputy Minister of Education says this is an important step in educating the next generation.

"We always want to provide students with relevant and engaging curricula that reflect the world around them. So it's important that we're developing up-to-date options that'll prepare students for whatever their lives might be when they leave our K - 12 sector."

The program was tested in a few select schools last year and feedback from teachers and students indicates a high level of excitement for the classes.

"Quite a few school divisions were already offering robotics curricula as a locally developed course and there was a fair bit of interest. Because of that, a reference committee recommended that we develop a robotics and automation curriculum that would be offered provincially."

While the classes are designed for high school students, teachers can draw on parts of the curriculum for their younger classes as well.

"We're really excited that students from Grade 7 to 12 can experience this content."

Nedelcov-Anderson says that there is also plenty of opportunities in Saskatchewan for students to get workplace experience and internships within the technology field.