Enter almost any plant, mill, or processing facility in Saskatchewan today, and you’ll hear a familiar story:  “We’ve got the equipment. We just need the people who know how to run it.”

Across industries, from food and beverage to oil & gas, mining, and manufacturing, automation has become part of daily operations. PLCs, SCADA systems, robotics, and smart sensors are now as common as wrenches and valves once were. But as this technology spreads, a new challenge emerges, there simply aren’t enough skilled and certified professionals to keep these systems running smoothly.

It’s Not Just a “Tech” Gap but It’s a People Gap

When we talk about “digital transformation,” it’s easy to think of machines, not people.
But the reality on the ground is deeply human.

Many experienced tradespeople, the backbone of Saskatchewan’s industries, have decades of mechanical know-how. They can repair a pump, calibrate a valve, or troubleshoot a circuit with ease. But when it comes to modern control systems, PLC programming, or data-based maintenance, there’s often a learning curve. Meanwhile, younger workers entering the field bring a strong foundation in digital systems, simulation tools, and automation logic, but they lack the years of on-site, hands-on experience their senior counterparts possess.

The gap exists right between these two strengths, and bridging it takes structured upskilling, mentorship, and certification-based training that brings experience and technology together.

Saskatchewan’s Industries Are Evolving but Slowly and Steadily

Unlike the fast-turnover industrial hubs of Ontario or Alberta, Saskatchewan’s automation journey is gaining strong momentum, with each project it is adding new capabilities. From control panel upgrades to modern instrumentation benches, industries across the province are embracing technology with purpose and confidence. This measured pace comes with a big advantage: the chance to grow people alongside technology. Many companies are choosing to upskill their existing staff rather than replace them, investing in certification programs and customized training that prepare their teams for modern control systems and smart automation environments.

It’s not about rushing into Industry 4.0 overnight. It’s about building confidence, capability, and continuity.

Certified Training and Industry Partnerships Are Changing the Landscape

The skills gap is real, but so are the efforts to close it.
Institutions like Saskatchewan Polytechnic and various local training providers now offer specialized programs in automation, instrumentation, and electrical control systems. (https://saskpolytech.ca/programs-and-courses/programs/Instrumentation-Engineering-Technology.aspx) These programs don’t just teach theory, they prepare certified technicians and technologists who can step directly into the field ready to contribute.

Mentorship and Knowledge Transfer, The Human Core

Not every skill gap is solved by a course. Some are solved by conversation.
Pairing a seasoned tradesperson with a younger technician creates a dynamic exchange of strengths: one offers decades of field wisdom, the other brings fresh perspectives and digital skills. This informal mentorship, often happening quietly on the shop floor, is one of the most effective and authentic ways to transfer knowledge. It builds trust, confidence, and teamwork, turning a potential gap into a shared strength.

In Saskatchewan, where relationships and reliability matter as much as results, mentorship has become the quiet engine of progress.

A Shared Responsibility and a Shared Opportunity

Bridging Saskatchewan’s digital skills gap isn’t one group’s job, it’s everyone’s.

• Employers must continue investing in training, certifications, and mentorship programs.
• Educational institutions need to stay aligned with the rapidly evolving needs of automation and control industries.
• Workers should keep seeking new certifications, refreshers, and on-the-job learning opportunities.

The great news is that this shift is already underway. From mills to manufacturing plants, you can see the difference, certified candidates stepping confidently into advanced roles, experienced technicians upgrading their skill sets, and companies reaping the benefits of better-trained teams.

Conclusion, Building Confidence for the Future

The digital skills gap in Saskatchewan’s automation workforce is real, but it’s being tackled one person and one project at a time.
Every newly certified technician, every upgraded instrumentation bench, and every mentorship session is another step toward a stronger, smarter workforce.

Automation in Saskatchewan isn’t about replacing people. It’s about empowering people with the tools, training, and confidence to lead the next chapter of industrial progress.

Cynertia, Helping Saskatchewan Build Its Automation Future

At Cynertia, we believe the future of industrial automation depends on people who are skilled, certified, and confident. Our team specializes in designing and delivering custom automation and control solutions, and we also collaborate with industries to support skill-building, system upgrades, and workforce development. In addition, forward-thinking companies are now partnering with automation experts like Cynertia to deliver on-site training and certification opportunities. These sessions allow electricians, operators, and maintenance staff to train directly on their own systems, with guidance from professionals who understand the unique demands of Saskatchewan industries. This approach ensures learning stays relevant, hands-on, and industry validated.

Whether your goal is to modernize your operations or train your team for tomorrow’s technology, Cynertia is here to move forward with Saskatchewan.