Powering Future Leaders with Primary Engineering and Construction

In September 2024, several Primary Engineering and Construction employees visited SAIT to celebrate a new partnership that supports student success, fosters future industry leaders and strengthens connections.

Primary is a leader in specialized engineering and construction services, including electric utility distribution, transmission, substations, telecommunications, lighting, traffic signalization, and building electrical systems. Headquartered in Calgary, their team of over 450 professionals, across 12 offices nationwide, is dedicated to delivering reliable, innovative solutions with a strong focus on customer service and project management.

Engaging new talent

Primary has provided funding for a number of initiatives at SAIT with a specific focus on students in the Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) program. Contributions towards student awards, SAIT’s EET Student Club, the KVA Club, events and industry nights, and extra-curricular activities will empower student success by reducing financial barriers and equipping students with strong technical skills.

“Primary supports SAIT students and programs to nurture future industry leaders, uphold corporate responsibility, and strengthen ties to its community,” shares Jesse Spring, P.Eng., President & CEO of Primary. “Many Primary employees are SAIT alumni, making the partnership a natural fit. This collaboration helps Primary stay engaged with new talent and educational advancements, ensuring the continued growth of the engineering field.”

Inspired moments

For Brendan Harris (EET ‘07) and Edward Lopez (EET ’06, Management ’16), the return to SAIT campus as representatives of an industry partner was a particularly inspiring moment. Harris and Lopez shared a similar journey to SAIT as both had immediate family members attend or instruct programs before they decided to pursue their education.

“It was never really a question that SAIT was going to somehow be a part of my life,” shares Harris.

Lopez and Harris both enjoyed the hands-on, practical experience and skills they gained during their time at SAIT and credit their involvement with the KVA club as integral to their success after graduation.

“To meet with the industry contacts and get a feel for real-life applications of what you're learning was invaluable,” says Lopez. “Making those connections when you’re ready to join the workforce is so valuable. You meet some people and they can connect you with others.”

Industry advocacy

Fast forward to today, and Lopez now serves as Director, Alberta Engineering and Harris as Manager, Design-Build for Primary. Both have been involved with empowering student success in the past as industry representatives at EVT industry nights, but it was their passionate advocacy that led to the recent gift from Primary.

When they reflect on what they hope Primary’s generosity can achieve at SAIT, they share a similar goal of inspiring future leaders.

“It really was unbelievable to be in a position to do this … and to be able to help people. It was really special,” says Harris. “It’s almost like a ‘thank you’ back corporately.”

“It’s really about wanting to give back and help that next generation of technologists and make sure they have the tools to make their experience more valuable and meaningful,” explains Lopez. “It’s awesome to see the impact that donors have at SAIT because it’s top notch and the experience made possible by donor money really improves every aspect.”

On November 5 and 6, 2024, you can get involved and support SAIT students by visiting sait.ca/givingday.