Five programs set to make a difference in 2023

Working on the frontlines, providing essential services or finding solutions to business problems — you can make an impact this year by choosing a program fit to your unique skills.

Whether it’s stepping into a leadership role at the forefront of change or getting hands on behind the scenes, we’ve compiled a list of five programs set to make a difference in 2023.

It’s a bird! It’s a plane, it’s…

1) Professional Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems

Becoming a drone pilot may sound like lots of fun, but it can also be a critical tool used to inform the decisions of tomorrow. Unmanned aerial systems are soon likely to change the way we deliver goods. Their bird’s eye view already helps us understand the impact of climate change and plays an increasing role in agriculture — like applying pesticide in a targeted way, reducing product waste. Drones are also helpful to inspect industrial operations and ensure work is safe for everyone.

And guess what? This program is unique to SAIT, the only polytechnic school in Canada currently offering this type and length of certificate.

Help Canadians live their healthiest lives

2) Healthcare Leadership Certificate

If there was ever any doubt, it is now clear post-pandemic that strong leadership in healthcare is important — and can make a significant difference in people’s everyday lives. Baby boomers— Canadians born between 1946 and 1965 — are still retiring, changing the landscape and demands on the healthcare system as well.

If you’re working in healthcare already and are ready to elevate your career in healthcare, while shaping the future of how services are delivered and projects completed, SAIT’s new post-diploma certificate may be your next step. It provides particularly relevant skills in areas of resiliency, and leadership in the face of emergency planning and preparedness.

Leave it better than you found it

3) Environmental Technology

Environmental technologists work in the protection, conservation and preservation of the natural environment. Their love for the environment is paired with the growing field of tech, like placing sensors to capture useful data.

The two-year diploma teaches about sampling, site reclamation and waste management. In a world that interacts with the sedimentary, it might be good to note environmental technology is rarely a sedentary job. Expect to be on the road often and respond to emergencies when they arise. One thing’s for sure: the work you do is crucial to caring for the world.

Give the gift of sight

4) Vision Care Sciences

Our brains focus a lot of energy on seeing. When your eyes are open, about 50% of the brain is devoted to the task.  

Worldwide, people are facing nearsightedness in ever-increasing numbers, meaning the demand for vision care will not fade anytime soon.  

If you have people skills and a passion for patient careone of SAIT’s two new vision programs may be the right choice. Help people see the world in greater detail by completing an Optician diploma or the unique Ophthalmic and Optometric Assistant certificate.

Keep the hackers at bay

5) Network Systems Specialist

If you’re skilled in computer literacy and enjoy the world of tech and security, you can expect to make a real impact as a network systems specialist.

Devastating data breaches happen often enough, but you can play a role in stopping malicious hands from getting to employee emails, corporate reports or IT asset information, among others. The demand for secure data is growing, which means understanding computer networking, troubleshooting and security is a highly sought-after skill needed for our digital world.