SAIT puts trades & technology in the spotlight
SAIT Polytechnic’s internationally acclaimed Trades and Technology Complex is a powerful statement that this post-secondary institution is taking a leadership role in preparing its students for the future.
The 740,000-squarefoot complex is the largest construction project in the institution’s 96-year history, and earlier this year, it was named one of the most innovative and exciting urban infrastructure projects in the world, according to KPMG’s Infrastructure 100: World Cities edition.
“When we build something we build it with staying power, and so that’s how we approached this project,” says Wayne King, CFO and vicepresident of capital and corporate services. “The classrooms and labs are flexible and can be adjusted to accommodate the needs of our students and our instructors, and learning opportunities are built right into the building.”
The complex provides the potential for an additional 8,100 full- and part-time students each year, with a special focus on high-demand sectors such as energy, construction, manufacturing and automation.
Exposed duct work and HVAC systems are aesthetically incorporated into the design, allowing students to better understand the systems they are learning about in the classroom.
Some elevators even feature glass-front panels to showcase the mechanical functions of the lifts.
The $400-million expansion was also recognized as the Project of the Year in two categories from the Project Management Institute (PMI) Southern Alberta Chapter.
“Our students are very proud and know that when it comes to facilities, we’re second to no one,” says King. “We really believe we transform lives by combining hands-on-learning with theory and preparing people to either go straight into fulfilling careers or further their education with us through our degree programs.”
SAIT works closely with industry to ensure program relevance, and more than 1,000 partners serve on more than 65 program advisory committees.
“We are so appreciative of organizations that we partner with such as Calgary Economic Development,” says King. “This partnership allows us to take our message to the world, and it really is an organization that shares our passion for ensuring Calgary is prepared to meet the demands for future growth in the province.”