SAIT breaks ground on newest training facility
Crane simulators, ironworker labs designed to enhance apprenticeships
Marking another milestone in its 100-year anniversary celebrations, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) broke ground on a new off-campus training facility for apprenticeship programs.
The eight-acre customized facility, to be completed in 2017 at 10490-72 Street S.E., will house applied learning labs for crane and hoisting equipment operator apprenticeships and iron worker apprenticeship programs.
“This new facility will dramatically enhance the learning environment for SAIT students and will include the best technology available, from crane simulators to a full crane maintenance shop, to labs designed specifically for ironworkers,” says Dr. David Ross, SAIT president and CEO.
“By providing real-world experience, coupled with robust industry-specific academic programs, we will set our students up for success so our future crane operators and iron workers are job-ready and able to make a contribution to employers as soon as they graduate.”
Officials say construction is now underway with the expectation of employing hundreds of workers from start to finish. The 30,000square-foot facility is scheduled to be complete and ready for classes by the fall of 2017.
Able to accommodate the largest array of crane simulators in North America, the facility will include a functioning crane maintenance shop and a lay down yard equipped with boom trucks and mobile cranes. Classrooms, meeting spaces, study areas and work spaces for instructors will also be built.
The project is funded through a $5.35 million operating grant over five years from Alberta Advanced Education.
“This government is proud to support our post-secondary institutions, because we know good jobs begin with a good education,” said Minister of Advanced Education Marlin Schmidt.
“This new facility will provide innovative training opportunities to prepare Albertans for success as we build on traditional economic drivers and move toward a more diverse economy.”
Officials say it is custom-designed similar to other SAIT satellite facilities, including the SAIT Culinary Campus downtown, the Art Smith Aero Centre in McCall in the city’s northeast; and the N.R. Buck Crump building in Mayland Heights.
SAIT welcomes more than 50,000 students each year and offers 31 apprenticeship trades, 83 degree, diploma and certificate programs and more than 1,000 continuing education classes.