Team Power Solutions has Saskatchewan Polytechnic in its DNA
Four co-operative work term students benefit from a legacy of on-the-job learning with Sask-based electrical engineering company
Four co-operative work term students benefit from a legacy of on-the-job learning with Sask-based electrical engineering company
When five graduates of the Electrical Engineering Technology program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic (then SIAST) joined forces in 2009 to form Team Power Solutions, they couldn’t have known the number of co-operative work placements they would help facilitate in the years to come. This year marks 14 years for the electrical, automation and manufacturing services firm, which started with five owners and two employees and has grown to 200 employees, many of whom have been hired from Sask Polytech co-operative education work placements.
“Sask Polytech is entrenched in our DNA,” explains Brook Davis, one of the original owners who now leads the company’s business development and marketing group. “We have hired a ton of students—often three for each co-op work term, and this time around we have four.”
Davis is intimately familiar with the Electrical Engineering Technology program. Having graduated from it himself in 1997, the industry expert now sits on the Sask Polytech program advisory committee, which provides input on program development, curriculum and delivery. As such, he is keenly aware of the need for graduates in his field and is invested in the high level of training that the co-op program delivers to students.
“Team Power Solutions always looks to Sask Polytech for help,” says Davis. “Hiring co-op students is a way we give back, but it’s also been a rewarding partnership over the years. Co-op education allows us to see if a student is a good fit, and for students, they’re so much further ahead after a work term or two.”
Tyler Astleford, Team Power Solutions Saskatoon electrical supervisor, agrees. “There’s no substitute for experience,” he notes. “Co-operative education is a great way to test and add to your learning. And for us, co-op is a great way to invest early on in a student’s career and retain them as full-time employees once they’ve completed their program. Electrical engineering technologists are in demand. We have to compete to hire them.”
Team Power Solutions currently has four Sask Polytech students in co-op placements in two programs. One business diploma student and three electrical engineering technology students are getting their first experiences of what it’s like to put their classroom learning into practice in a real-world setting.
For the electrical engineering technology students, Ryley Fry, Shivang Gohil and Cooper Fairley, this placement is their second of three in their program and will allow them to benefit from what Davis describes as the real value of co-op. “Co-op terms give students a chance to go back and forth from the classroom to putting their learning into practice, then back to the classroom and lab, then applying their learning again out in the public or private sector. This model makes students well rounded in a way that students who attend classes alone can’t compete with.”
Fry is working at Team Power Solutions Regina location where he is closer to his home in Southey. He agrees that the co-op terms add a lot to his program experience. “The knowledge we gain here on the job is awesome,” he says. “Our instructors are helpful and the hands-on labs at Sask Polytech are great, but we learn differently when we are actually doing the work in a job setting.”
Astleford, who supervises Gohil and Fairley in Saskatoon, is also a former electrical engineering technology student, having graduated from the Sask Polytech program in 2012. “Cooper and Shivang came to us as somewhat blank slates,” he remembers, noting that they are young and just starting their careers. “They did a four-month work term with us last summer and are currently three months in to their second placement. The amount they’ve grown over those seven months of co-op experience is impressive.”
Gohil, who is testing the ground fault relays, distribution panel and disconnect switch for a transformer, is enjoying the practical application of knowledge from the program. “Sometimes we learn something on the job here too, and then it’s helpful to learn the theory afterwards back at Sask Polytech, and it makes more sense because you’ve worked on an actual system. Learning about transformer systems was like that for me.” Gohil, who hails from India, chose the Electrical Engineering Technology program on advice from his cousins—one studied in the Computer Engineering Technology program. “The program is challenging but not too challenging,” he says. “The instructors are really helpful—almost 24/7 by email if we need it, and the labs and electrical courses are informative. We have everything we need to succeed.”
“Our current co-op students have transformed into critical members of our team,” adds Astleford, “and I’m going to hate to lose them when they return to Sask Polytech. I hope to get them back in their final work term. We see students as an investment in our company’s future.”
“Electrical engineering technology students are incredibly in demand,” explains Sask Polytech program head Babith Varghese. “Employers regularly approach us looking for graduates to hire. Often students have a job lined up before they are finished their program—and these are excellent jobs. Electrical engineering technology grads go to work in construction, manufacturing, consulting engineering, power generation, renewable energy, mining, oil and gas, design and automation—the choices they have are almost unlimited.”
For Fairley, who entered the program after high school in Cut Knife, the benefit of co-op work terms is partly financial. “I can easily make enough to pay for my program,” he says, “and if I choose to I could probably pay for the two years at Lakehead University required to bridge my diploma to an engineering degree. That’s huge.” Fairly thinks he will likely continue working as a technician once he’s finished the program, though, as he enjoys field work. “I don’t want to sit around at a desk all my life, but I want to do something that challenges me mentally. Being an engineering technologist is a good fit.”
Davis attended a Sask Polytech career fair in Moose Jaw last year and met business diploma student Edzabeth Ortega Teran, an international student from Venezuela. “I went to the career fair looking for students from the electrical and instrumentation engineering technology programs and had a chance meeting with Edza,” says Davis. “I’m always looking for bright people and when we met, I knew I had to find a place for her at Team Power Solutions. She’s been a fantastic fit for us, and we’re now looking at creating a rotating position in the business development area so we can accept more business diploma students for co-op placements.”
Ortega had a background in sales, but her experience with Team Power Solutions has allowed her to expand her skills to a new area and put her business management learning into practice. “I have more than 10 years of sales experience, but the electrical and automation area is totally new for me,” explains Ortega. “Nevertheless, the company cares and gives ongoing training to learn and thrive in your position.” During her placement Ortega has worked on business recruitment and new client retention, and has contributed to the development of sales strategy, assisting with the closing of new business deals and preparing sales presentations. “It’s been such a good experience, and I can’t say enough about Team Power Solutions and the supportive and inclusive culture here,” Ortega adds.
Team Power Solutions is expanding into digital applications and is considering computer engineering technology student placements. “We know Sask Polytech students are well trained and that it will be a win-win,” says Davis. “Co-op education helps the industry as a whole. Relevant work experience makes a huge difference to the student, but co-op education also allows us to help future-plan and replace people as they move up in their careers.”
Visit our website for more information about Sask Polytech’s Electrical Engineering Technology program, Business diploma program or other programs with co-operative education work terms.
Many full-time programs still have available seats for fall 2023. Find a program and apply today.
Published March 2023.
The Kilowatt Cup is Back!
Good news, The Kilowatt Cup is back for the first time since before the quarantine! The tournament will be held on April 15th, at the Gemini Arena. The mine hockey tournament will feature 6 teams, 5 from different Nutrien mines and a TPS/GMR team. All proceeds from the tournament will be donated to an Indigenous charity, so come out and support our team and support a good cause!
NSBA Business Builder Awards Event
We were honored to be part of the NSBA Business Builder Awards Night. Brook Davis had this to say about the night:
"Last weeks events were nothing short of spectacular. Fellowship, networking and just some good old fashion rock and roll. Thanks to the NSBA, sponsors, award finalist and of course the members. We are truly grateful for the opportunities that we are given living and working in this community. I am always so proud of how many companies in our community punch above their weight class!"
NSBA Business Builder Awards Finalist
We are excited to announce that we are finalist for two NSBA Business Builder Awards presented by Nutrien including the Business Builder Award and the Safe Employer Award.
The Business Builder Award is awarded to the NSBA business recognized by NSBA members for contributing to the success of NSBA members. As a referral award, members are encouraged to nominate a business that is an inspiration to others in the business community by virtue of their commitment to service and consistently excellent products or services.
The Safe Employer Award is awarded to the NSBA business that exemplifies and promotes safety in the workplace.
It is an honour to be nominated by our peers and we are thankful for the ongoing efforts of the NSBA for being a champion for business in Saskatoon! We look forward to celebrating all the nominees at the upcoming awards.
TPS & Indurad Partnership
Team Power Solutions and indurad Corp. are excited to announce a new strategic partnership in Northern America.
Team Power Solutions will be the indurad recommended installation, integration, certification, and service support partner with a focus on the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
Together we will provide our robust anti-collision, volumetric inventory, and positioning solutions for the mining and other industries.
“We are excited about our partnership with Team Power Solutions, a leader in the industry, and look forward to servicing our clients better. The trio partnership formed between Intrepid Group, Team Power Solutions and indurad will allow us to leverage the strengths of each partner for meeting the unique requirements of our customers,” says Adriaan Goosen, Director of Engineering at indurad.
Team Power Solutions is known for excellent service and this partnership will extend this strength across the indurad product offering. “With access to indurad’s products, we can now provide installation and service,” said Johannes Schauss, Business Development Manager with Team Power Solutions. “We will work with clients to select the best possible solution and can also provide integration and commissioning to new/existing plant control systems. We are excited to be able to provide this reputable product line to clients and provide them with full-turn key solutions.“
#radar #mining #future #partnerships #bulkmaterialhandling #canada #teampowersolutions
STCI Power Solutions - A New Industrial Manufacturing Company is Announced
STCI Power Solutions, a new industrial manufacturing company focused on supplying Custom Power and Controls Products for the mining and utility industry in Saskatchewan is announced.
Pictured Left to Right: Crystal I. Fafard, B.A. (Hons.), J. D., Board Chair, STC Industrial Group; Tribal Chief Mark Arcan; Tom Boehm, General Manager, Team Power Solutions
Created as a partnership between Team Power Solutions and STC Industrial Contracting, STCI Power Solutions will build capacity for Indigenous business and quality of life for Indigenous people through strategic teamwork with customers and stakeholders. The majority ownership in this new company is Indigenous.
“The Saskatoon Tribal Council is thrilled to partner with Team Power Solutions to create STCI Power Solutions,” said Tribal Chief Mark Arcand. “This partnership is another avenue to help our Indigenous people become industry leaders when it comes to the emerging opportunities in the Saskatchewan mining sector. Team Power Solutions is a home-grown company that is world renowned and this partnership creates the only majority held Indigenous business in the market,” Tribal Chief Mark Arcand said.
“STC Industrial Contracting is very pleased with the recent partnership signed with Team Power Solutions who is an industry leader in electrical and automation solutions,” said Crystal I. Fafard, B.A. (Hons.), J. D., Board Chair, STC Industrial Group. “The Board is pleased with the great potential for STC member employment and business development as we continue to expand into industries that build upon our existing capacity,” said Fafard. “STC Industrial is fast becoming an economic leader in the region with respect to business readiness and capitalizing on new opportunities in the mining sector and other key industries.”
“This partnership is a great fit for our us,” said Shaun Howdle, President & CEO of STC Industrial Group. “When we are exploring new partnership opportunities we are looking for partners that believe in our vision for the development of Indigenous business and support for careers for Indigenous people, and Team Power has that. STCI Power Solutions combines the knowledge and expertise of Team Power Solutions in the supply & manufacturing of electrical equipment with our local Indigenous owned and staffed facilities for a unique industry solutions provider. We’re excited to partner with Team Power Solutions and look forward to supplying the Saskatchewan market with top quality Indigenous and locally built products and services.”
“We are very excited to announce our partnership with STCI, together we will elevate the products offered through Indigenous business and provide technical solutions that emphasize the skills and innovation of our local community,” said Tom Boehm, General Manager of Team Power Solutions. “We have partnered with STC Industrial Contracting because the core visions and values of our companies closely align. We both believe in our community and in the strength of our people.”
Greg Wagner has been hired as the Operations Manager with STCI Power Solutions. Greg has a very strong background in the industry and comes with the experience to move this new company forward to meet the mining demands of tomorrow.
Through the strength of this partnership, STCI Power Solutions will help to keep work local, and build on our Indigenous capacities while fuelling the local economy. This new company will bring more work under one umbrella bringing both mechanical and electrical product solutions together. Previously this work would potentially be outsourced to foreign owned corporations and now it can stay in Saskatchewan. An increase in hiring new positions is anticipated as product offerings and service expand through this new company, STCI Power Solutions!
Pictured Left to Right: Shaun Howdle, President & CEO, STC Industrial Group; Crystal Fafard, Board Chair, STC Industrial Group; Tribal Chief Mark Arcand, Saskatoon Tribal Council; Tom Boehm, General Manager, Team Power Solutions (TPS); Brook Davis, Director of Business Development & Marketing, Team Power Solutions
About STCI Power Solutions:
An industrial manufacturing company focused on supplying custom power and controls products for the mining and utility industry in Saskatchewan. STCI Power Solutions will be located at #40-214 Joseph Okemasis Dr in Saskatoon, SK.
Thanksgiving in the North
In October, many members of our Saskatoon Electrical team were up north, working on a project that required long hours, during the evenings, as well as the weekend, which also meant that some of our team was not able to spend Thanksgiving with their families and loved ones back home. We are proud of our team, who worked together to get the job done safely and to a standard of quality.
Being up north did offer us some unique experiences, such as seeing the spectacular Northern Lights and the ability to go golfing on Thanksgiving, using the golf simulator at camp while simultaneously video chatting with our families!
TPS Performs NEMA 4 Testing
Did you know?
Did you know that our NEMA 4 rated enclosures go through a rain test? This testing is completed in-house and ensures our enclosures meet the NEMA 4 standards before they are sent out to our customers and installed on-site.
In this video, you can see that the entire skid is being tested to NEMA 4 standards. This skid was custom designed for a mining client and is being tested before shipping to site.
WHAT IS NEMA 4 Testing?
The NEMA 4 standard includes utilizing a rain test apparatus consisting of three spray heads with water pressure. Each spray head is maintained at 5 psi with continuous water spray being applied for one hour.
WHAT IS NEMA?
National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) is an ANSI-accredited Standards Developing Organization made up of business leaders, electrical experts, engineers, scientists, and technicians. It is the largest trade association of electrical equipment manufacturers and publishes more than 600 standards, application guides, white papers, and technical papers relative to the industry. Its 450 members companies manufacture products used in the generation, transmission, distribution, control, and end use of electricity.
Team Power Solutions Expands Automation Group
We are a company that is continuously growing and hiring new talent! With our growth, we needed to secure additional space to accommodate our Team.
Our Automation group now includes over 20 Automation Specialists and has moved over to a new location on Dudley St. in Saskatoon. From this new facility, we provide remote project support and also have easy access to travel on-site to support our customers.
Team Power Solutions Ball Tournament
As the cooler weather approaches, we are reminiscing on our TPS Ball Tournament we had back on a very hot day in June!
Team Power Solutions was well represented with two teams in the tournament that included our friends at Alliance Energy Ltd. Although the TPS teams didn't win, it was a very fun event with family and friends!
Team Power Solutions Offers Virtual Interactive Electrical Safety Training Courses
Team Power Solutions offers a Virtual Interactive format for our High Voltage Electrical Safety (QEW) Refresher and our Electrical Safety for Non-Electrical Workers. Both courses are a condensed version of the one-day course and do not include instructor/participant interactions.
Please visit the web page for more information about these courses.
Team Power Solutions Welcomes SIIT Students
We are excited to welcome students from the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) to Team Power Solutions!
These students are here on Electrical work placement for the week. Team Power Solutions has partnered with SIIT to develop and implement a work placement program for the Electrical 1 Program. We look forward to having many more SIIT students join us in the future!
Team Power Solutions Automation Group Completes First International Project
A Gold Mine located in Suriname, South America engaged Team Power Solutions in late 2020 to upgrade their PLCs onsite. After multiple flight delays, lost bags, and an overall travel nightmare, our four man crew arrived onsite for the panel replacement and commissioning.
Read the full story here.
Global Ventures Magazine Feature
Check out Team Power Solutions business feature on page 11 in the summer issue of Global Ventures Magazine!
Team Power Solutions Attends the NSBA Business Builder Awards
We had a wonderful time at the NSBA Business Builder Awards last night!
We were excited to be included as a finalist for the 'Safe Employer Award'! Safety is always a priority in our work and it was an honour to be a finalist in this category.
Congratulations to all the finalists and award recipients!
Saskatchewan Mining Supply Chain Forum June 20-21
Team Power Solutions attended the Saskatchewan Mining Supply Chain Forum on June 20-21. It was great to be a part of this widely known industry event. We were so excited to have some of our equipment on display this year. The show was super successful, and we are so happy we could attend. Everyone at Team Power Solutions had a great experience at the show.
Thank you to SIMSA and Saskatchewan Mining Association for putting together another great event!
Supply Chain Canada Golf Tournament
We had a great time golfing at the Supply Chain Canada golf tournament in Regina!
We sponsored hole # 6 and had fun with the corn hole pitch!
NSBA Business Builder Awards Finalist
We are excited to be included as a finalist for the 'Safe Employer Award' at the NSBA Business Builder Awards! Safety is always a priority in our work and it is an honour to be a finalist in this category!
Congratulations to all the finalists!
Volunteering at the Nutrien Children’s Festival
We are out at the Nutrien Children's Festival volunteering at the robo-soccer tent! Congratulations to our very own, Solomon Gokavi, P.Eng on coordinating and building such an awesome activity for the kids! These robots are so much fun!!
