An innovative gift from RBC is helping SAIT Automotive Service Technology students like Jasmine Chu connect to leading-edge skills and experts.
Jasmine Chu’s curiosity about the mechanics of cars and technology began early in her life. Today, she credits the quality and relevance of her studies in the SAIT Automotive Service Technology program for her success as she enters a rapidly-changing industry and begins her career.
Chu was a featured speaker at a recent SAIT Transportation and Manufacturing Industry Night, where the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) announced an $850,000 gift to support accelerating electric vehicle training readiness and pathways for youth entering the trades.
“When I got to SAIT and began to work through the Automotive Service Technology Program, I knew I was in the right place. Being in this program has helped me to uncover the skills in myself that had intimidated me previously and build the connections I need to be successful in the future,” says Chu.
The Automotive Service Technology Program has taken her through the fundamentals of working on internal combustion vehicles. Still, the industry is evolving quickly with the arrival of electric vehicle technologies.
Learn more about the hands-on experience students have access to in this program.
Accelerating top talent
RBC’s gift will also support SAIT Transportation and Manufacturing Industry Nights over the next five years – allowing students to learn and network with employers in various automotive fields.
“The first hybrid vehicle was available to consumers nearly 25 years ago. Since then, so much has changed. This investment will help us to keep pace with an industry that is evolving and will help our students enter the workforce with the right skills to keep racing forward,” says SAIT Automotive Instructor Harley Breadner (AAST '11).
Programs within the School of Transportation are set up to encourage students to thrive and connect them with key industry partnerships to deliver valuable opportunities and resources.
“There are many places we can go with this. There are opportunities like continuing education courses for those working with city fleets or other heavier-duty vehicles. Working with other key partners, we can play a part in the shift to a greener future.” says Breadner.
Coming together to drive the future forward
As technology accelerates, partners from different areas of the economy are working to help evolve the workforce through investment in applied post-secondary institutions.
The partnership between SAIT and RBC will make it easier for businesses and industries to work together to keep the economy moving and connect people to meaningful career opportunities.
“We’re pleased to partner with SAIT’s School of Transportation on this advanced training and be able to help young people access meaningful employment through practical work experience, skills development opportunities, and networking solutions,” says RBC Alberta & Territories Regional President Jeff Boyd.
Find out more about RBC’s investment in skilled trades and youth.
SAIT maintains a deep connection to industry and collaboration with organizations ensuring that critical skills training is available to support shifts and growth in various sectors and play a role in Alberta’s economic diversification.
Read more about how SAIT and RBC are driving the future forward.
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SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.