Support Services for Apprentices

Apprentice advising

Our Apprenticeship Advisors are dedicated to supporting you throughout your apprenticeship journey. Advisors can support you in a variety of ways, including:

• apprenticeship program pathways and planning
• early support if you are struggling with life or academic concerns
• connecting you with on-campus and off-campus apprentice resources
• helping you make the most of your experience at SAIT.

Financial advising

Managing the financial side of your apprenticeship can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Our Financial Advisors are here to help you understand your options and access the support you need.

We can help you with:

• applying for the Canada Apprentice Loan and understanding repayment
• information about the Canada Tradesperson’s tool deduction
• applying for the Alberta student loan and understanding repayment
• budgeting and savings tips to balance work, school, and personal expenses
• guidance on available provincial and federal financial aid programs.

Whether you’re just starting out or returning for your next period of training, we’re here to make sure finances don’t get in the way of your success. Please contact us at financial.advising@sait.ca for more information.

Learning strategy support

Learning Strategists can help you build the skills you need to succeed in your technical training and beyond. Explore practical strategies for reading modules, breaking down learning objectives, memorizing key concepts and vocabulary, preparing for industry exams, and more.

Support is available in a variety of ways:

• Drop-in learning strategy sessions
• One-on-one appointments
• Workshops and events focused on study skills and exam prep

Accessibility and accommodations

Do you have a documented disability or medical condition and need support while training or taking exams? Accessibility Services reduces barriers to learning at SAIT through:

• assistance with funding applications for services, equipment and technology
• equipment loans
• classroom and exam accommodations
• consultations and referrals.

Connect with Student Development and Counselling

Talk to an Educational Counsellor if you:

• are facing personal or unexpected life events that are affecting your attendance or academic performance
• want to learn practical tools to manage stress, test anxiety or boost your motivation
• need support maintaining a healthy lifestyle
• have concerns about your career path or program being the right fit
• are feeling overwhelmed, in crisis or just need someone to talk to.

To book an appointment with a counsellor, contact Student Development and Counselling at 403.284.7023 or connect with us on Microsoft Teams.

Before and after-hours appointments available upon request (September through May). Same-day drop-in appointments are available.

If you require support outside our office hours, contact the Distress Center.

English Conversation Partners program

As part of your learning experience at SAIT, this program offers a relaxed and supportive way to practice English and build confidence in everyday communication. You’ll be matched with a conversation partner for about one hour of informal conversation each week.

You can meet in person or have a video chat over MS Teams. Talk once a week or more often if you’d like. Share stories, swap recipes, discuss books, or explore travel experiences. We’ll provide conversation starters and helpful tools to get things going.

Apprentices who are English language learners will be asked to complete an entry and exit survey, and all participants will be invited to share feedback at the end of the program.

Sign up for English Conversation Partners

Natoysopoyiis

Located on the main floor of the Senator Burns Building, Natoysopoyiis is a place for Indigenous learners at SAIT. We offer program and academic support, such as:

• access to tutors
• financial support through Kohkum's
• emergency bursary and grocery cards
• meetings with Elders for cultural and spiritual advising
• events, networking and more.

Contact us at natoysopoyiis@sait.ca.