Just how do you go about teaching the next generation of tradespeople in a world of social distancing and limited class sizes?

That's the challenge technical institutions like SaskPolytechnic are facing as we get closer to the fall semester. With the fall getting closer every day, all of the province's institutions of higher learning are grappling with the difficult decision between in-person or online education.

Dan Mackay, the special advisor to the vice president academic at SaskPolytechnic, says that they plan on using a two-pronged mode of delivery.

"Our theory will be taught online and our hands training that cannot be completed online will take place on campus. Much of what we do at Saskatchewan Polytechnic is a very practical type of learning and we have to ensure that that learning can take place for students."

Because many of the college's trades programs require shop or lab time in order for students to graduate, Mackay says that the hands-on training simply has to take place. Several of the programs, however, can be transitioned more easily into an online format.

"Many programs such as business will take place from and distance and have limited if any access to the campus."

Mackay explains that public health authorities have approved the school's re-opening plan and that safety guidelines will be strictly kept by everyone on campus.