Irvin Applegarth, student at North West College. (Image Credit: North West College/ Facebook)

By Alyssa Rudolph

POST-SECONDARY

North West College student represents non-traditional learners on Saskatchewan Student Council

Feb 3, 2026 | 12:47 PM

For Irvin Applegarth, going back to school wasn’t just about earning a diploma; it was about opening doors to new opportunities. 

Now in his first year of business at North West College, Applegarth has shown that determination can lead to opportunity, earning a spot as a representative on the 2025–2026 Saskatchewan Post-Secondary Student Council.  

His path to post-secondary education has not been easy and looks a little different than most. 

“I’m 46. I recently graduated this year from the adult 12 program.” 

“I thought, ‘What the heck, get the diploma and go and run a business’, or maybe even start my own business. You never know, I got another year to think about it,” he said.  

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For Applegarth, the decision to return to school came after years of hitting the same frustrating wall. While employers were willing to train him, the lack of formal education often meant lower pay and limited advancement. 

“I started to think ‘OK, other employees do deserve $27 where I’m working for $17’. It kind of makes you think there is that little barrier if you do not complete your education, and that’s basically where I’m at,” he explained. 

Now, he hopes to use his seat on the council to break down those barriers for others, especially students who feel overlooked, struggle financially, or face mental health challenges. 

“I was driven by a desire to support underrepresented students, to advocate for those who are shy or unheard, learn about the government’s role in education and influence positive policy changes for learners throughout the province,” Applegarth said.  

Those issues were fronted at the council’s first meeting, where topics like mental health, tuition, and affordability quickly filled the agenda.  

“As I sit on this council, I’m just like, ‘wow, I’m not alone in this world’. Suddenly, the issues that I see whenever I’m engaging with my peers at Northwest College are the same challenges going out through the province.” 

“The government wants to be proactive and step in and find a solution, maybe we can give them advice on how to advocate for us properly. Instinctively, that tells me they’re looking out for anybody that wants to continue their education or finish their education, so we can get back into society,” Applegarth said. 

Although he has many goals to accomplish while sitting on council, Applegarth hopes to pass on the role to a new student next year. 

“With Northwest College, I see that health is a big, big thing to learn. There are a lot of health issues in our community, and It would be nice to see somebody from that capacity sit on the council, because representing our health in this region something that matters the most,” he said. 

Moving forward, the councillor hopes to deeply engage with government officials in person and help shape ongoing discussions about student barriers and solutions before the council year wraps up in March. 

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Alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com