SAIT programs benefit from apprenticeship funding

SAIT will receive a boost to our Auto Body Technician and Automotive Service Technician programs with an additional 42 seats, thanks to funding committed by the Government of Alberta. An investment of $15 million over three years will focus on expanding apprenticeship education at Alberta post-secondary institutions — as part of the Alberta at Work initiative — with $1.37 million committed to create an additional 300 apprenticeship seats.

Did you know?

Both programs require a keen interest in problem-solving and someone who enjoys hands-on precision work. An auto body technician apprentice will enrol in a four-year program that includes a blend of apprenticeship education and work experience, to become a journeyperson. The term of apprenticeship for an automotive service technician is four years, including a minimum of 1,560 hours of on-the-job training and eight weeks of apprenticeship education each year.

In a news release following the announcement, Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced Education, emphasized the importance of providing prospective students with access to seats in apprenticeship programs, which offer hands-on learning in areas identified as growth opportunities by the province.

“Apprenticeship education is an important part of our post-secondary system. Making sure students have access to programs, training and resources not only sets them up for success but supports and grows industries and our economy with a world-class workforce.”

As a mark of the importance of skilled trades in our province, Minister Nicolaides declared September 26, and the fourth Monday in every September going forward, as Apprenticeship Day. This annual celebration will underscore the role of tradespeople as “the backbone of Alberta’s economy.”

SAIT welcomes the recognition of value offered through our trade apprenticeship programs.

“We are pleased with the announcement of Apprenticeship Day, an annual celebration in recognition of the important contributions apprentices make to our communities, our economy and our province. From SAIT’s pre-apprenticeship training through the immersive high-calibre trades education in more than 30 different trades, SAIT is proud to continue to offer a world-class education to build a strong and skilled workforce able to drive Alberta’s growing economy,” says David Ross, President and CEO, SAIT.

As part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan, the Alberta at Work initiative plans to invest more than $600 million over the next three years to support the growth of in-demand skills and economic development.