From boardrooms to building sites,
things are getting real.  

Our demographics are shifting, and many who we rely on to get critical jobs done today will be retired in the next five years. By 2028, more than 700,000 skilled tradespeople will leave the workforce (Government of Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada, 2021).

On top of this, the economy is shifting, meaning that ideas and opportunities are more global in nature than ever before.  

With the right training today, tomorrow’s leaders will be ready to channel this constant change into new possibilities. Real Futures represents our commitment to embracing this exciting moment with the confidence that the best is yet to come — for SAIT, for our province, and for countless students and graduates alike. Real Futures is our chance to be bold, and to find inventive solutions to shared problems, and to position our city and province to thrive in a world defined by constant change.  

Real Futures will enable SAIT to deliver on the promise to transform who, how and what we teach in response to the shifts unfolding across our communities, technologies and economies. So, let’s get to it. Let’s come together with a practical purpose, and a commitment to ensuring that the future we shape and create is one we want to celebrate — today, and tomorrow.   

Click image to view Case for Support

HOW we teach 

From using virtual reality to understand the ins and outs of industrial plumbing systems to diving into ultra-realistic cyber security simulations to be cyber ready, it’s happening here at SAIT. We’re responding to changes in industry as they unfold, taking our cues from the real people getting the real work done.

Taylor Family Campus Centre

To support tomorrow’s students, we need to better support the whole person. Beyond academics, a transformed campus centre will accelerate the personal and professional development of SAIT students and enhance their physical and mental health.

Cyber range

Located downtown, this cutting-edge facility will enhance our state of cyber readiness while aligning with industry expertise. It will provide access to critical training opportunities and ensure  greater digital security across businesses, institutions and individuals.

Digital transformation of applied healthcare

Pharmacy care, respiratory therapy and paramedicine — each is being revolutionized by technology. SAIT will transform its teaching and infrastructure to ensure students are ready for the future of their field.

WHO we teach 

The world is changing, and our economy is now truly global. SAIT is driving an expanded, inclusive talent pool and bringing more diverse voices into the fold. 

The real people who do everything from keeping the lights on to keeping our economy moving forward are made up of a dynamic mix of perspectives and global experiences. Canada’s economy continues to welcome new talent every single day, and SAIT is responding to this with training and supports aimed at getting skills to where they’re most needed. Whether it’s homebuilding or healthcare, we’re at the forefront of aligning international experience with community need. 

Expanded student awards suite

With your support, we will strive to expand support for diverse learners from a growing number of communities. We will address and eliminate barriers and increase access to education.

Enhanced English language pathways programming

Canada is in the middle of a skills shortage cutting across every industry and affecting our access to services and opportunities. With your support, SAIT will accelerate offerings to transition  international talent into the roles where they are most needed.

Indigenous engagement, inclusion and support

Your support can help Indigenous learners thrive by empowering them to better connect with the educational and training opportunities they need to be successful, while also ensuring their  experiences are recognized and celebrated in culturally sensitive and appropriate ways.

WHAT we teach 

We are overhauling tried-and-true programs to feature the cutting-edge tech graduates will find when they step into their careers. We’re expanding what we teach by taking our institution into places and spaces that it’s never been before. From an expanded downtown presence to a new space for students to learn in Banff, one of Canada’s tourism capitals, we are expanding the ways in which we connect students to skills.

Innovative construction approaches and technologies

Canada is experiencing a housing crisis, and we need to work together to address this generational challenge. In partnership with donors, SAIT has a role to play where our talent and  emerging technologies can come together to deliver workable, timely solutions to resolve this  shared issue.

Proactive equipment revitalization

SAIT grads have a reputation for hitting the ground running as they join the workforce. As  technology advances, the equipment students have access to must keep pace. Across all schools and programs, the need to update existing equipment provides a meaningful way for donors to  make a tangible impact on the learning experience.

Evolved energy sector training

SAIT is a leading provider of talent to the Canadian energy sector, and this critical segment of the economy is experiencing unprecedented change. SAIT will leverage extensive industry  connections to proactively deliver the talent needed to support new opportunities within the shifting energy mix powering our communities and businesses. 

We can’t predict the future, but we can prepare for it. With Real Futures, SAIT is ensuring that students, faculty and our community have the knowledge in place to embrace tomorrow, whatever shape it takes.  

If you’re like us, and believe the best is yet to come for SAIT, for our students, and for our province, then please join us in building Real Futures. 

For more information, contact:  

Rachael Lehr, MBA, CFRE 
Principal Gifts and Campaign Manager
Rachael.Lehr@sait.ca