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New collaboration focuses on training to meet labour market needs
December 9, 2021 – A new collaboration between Saskatchewan Polytechnic and YQR Distillery will explore hands-on learning opportunities for students at the Regina distillery’s soon-to-open restaurant, commercial production kitchen and teaching labs, tasting room, hospitality suites, tap house, wine bar, brewing and distilling and research facility on the Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) campus.
“This collaboration will explore new training possibilities with YQR Distillery and opportunities to provide our School of Hospitality and Tourism students with access to world-class learning facilities at REAL campus,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, Sask Polytech president and CEO. “We look forward to investigating and researching new learning options for the hospitality industry in cooperation with YQR Distillery in the coming year.”
YQR Distillery is building a new facility on the REAL campus that is scheduled to open this spring. This innovative collaboration with YQR Distillery will look at new ways to provide School of Hospitality and Tourism students access to the distillery’s new training kitchen. Through the exploratory process Sask Polytech and YQR Distillery will also be able to look at options to provide new or additional training to meet industry demand in Saskatchewan.
“YQR Distillery and Fermentation Lab are excited to be working with Saskatchewan Polytechnic, which will be providing world class educational programming to enhance, enrich, and entice people visiting REAL Campus. It is truly great to have the opportunity to collaborate with our province’s only polytechnic on the new development at REAL,” says Adam Sperling, president and CEO of Sperling Silver Distillery.
Sask Polytech conducts ongoing labour market analysis and maintains close connections with industry through program advisory committees and other industry outreach activities. This ensures program curriculum and capacities are aligned with current and emerging labour market needs. The program advisory committee for the Hotel and Restaurant Management program supports the expansion of Sask Polytech programming to Regina and the southern half of the province. This new collaboration is another example of how Sask Polytech works with industry to meet employer and labour market needs.
“We pride ourselves on having a campus unlike any other in our country,” said Tim Reid, president and CEO of REAL. “Having YQR Distillery on site and this new educational opportunity for students in the Saskatchewan Polytechnic School of Hospitality and Tourism is a great way to support the future leaders of our industry.”
Through this partnership YQR Distillery will be responsible for securing SLGA licenses with respect to the manufacturing, production and sales of alcoholic beverages in the new learning facility at REAL. Any new programming to be delivered in the future will be created and managed by Sask Polytech.
About REAL:
Owned by the City of Regina and situated in the heart of Regina, Regina Exhibition Association Limited is the largest interconnected event complex in Canada. It is the centre of sport, business and entertainment for the community. REAL is a not-for-profit corporation that operates the 100-acre property. REAL hosts the majority of Regina’s major events, including Canada’s Farm Show presented by Viterra, Queen City Ex presented by Sasktel, and Canadian Western Agribition. It is also home to the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Regina Pats, Regina Soccer Association, many minor and recreational sports, and numerous concerts, trade shows and conventions. real1884.ca
About Saskatchewan Polytechnic:
Saskatchewan Polytechnic serves students through applied learning opportunities on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 Territories and the homeland of the Métis. Learning takes place at campuses in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon and through extensive distance education opportunities. Programs serve every economic and public service sector. As a polytechnic, the organization provides the depth of learning appropriate to employer and student need, including certificate, diploma and degree programs, and apprenticeship training. Saskatchewan Polytechnic engages in applied research, drawing on faculty expertise to support innovation by employers, and providing students the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills. saskpolytech.ca
About YQR Distillery:
The story begins in the twenties with Peter Paul Sperling who owned the Sedley hotel just East of Regina. Behind the hotel was a slaughterhouse, underneath the slaughterhouse were railcars, filled with whiskey to then be sent to Chicago. The history of Saskatchewan Sperling’s making fine spirits can be traced back to more than 85 years ago. Adam Sperling is a proud part of the tradition in making fine spirits to enjoy for another hundred years. yqrdistillery.com
For more information, contact:
Tyler Lloyd
Regina Exhibition Association Limited, Director – Marketing, Sales & Sponsorship
306-519-9715
Brianna Bergeron
Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Communications and Marketing
306-250-3978
Adam Sperling
YQR Distillery, President and CEO
306-535-8175