From student to employee, Lee Pearce comes full circle

January 2025

In December 2005, Lee Pearce was in search of a fulfilling career and better compensation. He reached out to an employment services advisor to explore training options for long-haul truck driving. His options were limited as he hadn’t completed his Grade 12 education, however, his initial plan took a turn thanks to his advisor’s guidance. Pearce found out financial support was available for students completing their Adult 12 education through Saskatchewan Polytechnic, then known as SIAST.

“I was excited about going back to school, but I was nervous about my math skills and whether I could be successful having struggled in that subject throughout my time in high school,” he shares. “I wanted to know that one day I would have the life I always imagined for myself and my future family. I wanted to find something I would be passionate about and would enjoy doing. I knew education would unlock those doors and that motivated me.”

After testing to gauge his education level, he was put in Grade 12 social studies and English courses and in Grade 10 math, which required math refresher and math prep courses before proceeding. The journey wasn’t smooth as he struggled to complete the math prep class. An education counsellor supported him through his learning journey, connecting him with a tutor and a night class to help him move ahead. He credits the dedication of faculty with the push he needed to keep going.

“My advisor told me, ‘When you are done your regular classes, putting in the extra time it takes to learn this has to be your priority. If you don’t make it your priority, you won’t be successful.’ That was the first time someone had a frank discussion with me,” Pearce says. “What it came down to was working with my math teacher to figure out my learning style. I learn by writing down the procedure and leaving nothing to the imagination That way, when I forget a step, I go back to the procedure and figure out what step I missed.”

After completing his Adult 12 courses, he went into plumbing and pipefitting.

Pearce isn’t alone. Many students have transitioned to post-secondary education at Sask Polytech, notes Tony Blacklock, academic chair of Literacy and Adult Education.

“We’re seeing more students enrolling in a Sask Polytech program after completing adult education. This shows how stepping back into the classroom can lead students on an education journey toward a rewarding career,” he says.

As Pearce’s career progressed, he learned more about health and safety programs and leadership in this area. This piqued his interest, and he decided to get the Occupational Health and Safety certificate through Sask Polytech while he was between contracts.

The new training opened doors and Pearce worked at various mines before deciding to settle in Moose Jaw with his wife. He was days away from starting a new contract when he got a call offering him a position at Sask Polytech in Health, Safety and Security. Pearce had to make a choice.

“That was the craziest weekend of my life. After a long discussion with my wife, who was studying nursing at the time, we thought this would give us more of our life back. What led me to Sask Polytech was the work life balance and I liked the idea of working with people at an academic institution,” he shares.

Now the Health and Safety manager for the Moose Jaw and Regina campuses, Pearce is proud of his journey from adult learner to employee at Sask Polytech. A fan of practical advice, he shares the following for prospective students.

“My message to folks thinking about going back to school is that it’s hard. When you are struggling, you need to tell your instructor that you are. Don’t pretend to understand when you don’t because you have resources available to you. You need to figure out your learning style. Once you know that it becomes easier,” he says. “I hope my story inspires others to continue their education journey. You have to put your mind to it. You have to want it for yourself and nobody else. Your success must become your most important priority. Then you’ll be successful.”