SAIT and RBC drive the future forward with electric vehicle readiness training and youth skills programming
MEDIA RELEASE
Calgary, AB — The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) has announced an $850,000 investment to support the delivery of a greener future through the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) School of Transportation.
The funding commitment unveiled at SAIT’s Transportation and Manufacturing Industry Night held on Thursday, March 23, will aid the development of electric vehicle (EV) readiness training and youth skills programming. A portion of the investment will also be allocated to support SAIT’s Transportation and Manufacturing Industry Nights over the next five years. These events provide valuable networking opportunities for students to connect with future employers in the automotive industry.
"We’re pleased to partner with SAIT 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. We know that an issue like energy transition can’t be solved by one person or one industry. It requires a collective effort across industry, academia, government and community, and it’s a process that takes time, creativity, patience and resolve,” says RBC Alberta & Territories Regional President Jeff Boyd.
This unique partnership will help drive new and emerging technologies programming and ensure SAIT graduates are ready to lead and succeed in their careers. Always looking towards the future, SAIT remains committed to anticipating industry needs and ensuring students are prepared with the emerging skills of tomorrow.
“SAIT continues to deliver on our promise to evolve with industry and provide our students with the skills they need to lead the next generation. This gift from RBC will provide greater access to the technology needed to advance our labs and create opportunities to integrate practical work experience into SAIT’s transportation programming,” says Dr. David Ross, President and CEO, SAIT.
The youth component included will support high school students as they learn the academic skills needed for a successful career in the trades.
As Canada continues to face a talent gap in skilled trades, SAIT has a critical role to play in training the existing and future workforce. Electric vehicle (EV) readiness training will offer hands-on experience as students diagnose and repair EV systems and components. Moving forward, SAIT will work collaboratively with industry, government and area school boards to develop and deliver training with a focus on sustainability, ensuring today’s workforce is equipped with the knowledge needed to support a greener economy.
SAIT’s deep connection to industry and collaboration with organizations such as RBC ensures the critical skills training is available to support the shift towards sustainable transportation, growth in the sector and Alberta’s economic diversification.
About SAIT
Established in 1916, SAIT was the first of its kind, publicly funded technical school in North America. As a global leader in applied education, SAIT serves 40,000 students annually. SAIT offers baccalaureate and applied degree programs, diplomas, certificates, apprenticeship programs and more than 550 continuing education and corporate training courses, and specializes in four award-winning areas of applied research. Curriculum and research priorities are developed through industry partnerships to meet workforce needs and build capacity for innovation province-wide. SAIT is recognized by Mediacorp Canada Inc. as one of Alberta’s Top Employers (2024) and by Research Infosource Inc. as fourth among the Top 50 Research Colleges in Canada (2024). SAIT is ranked #53 on CEOWORLD Magazine’s list of Best Business Schools and #13 on the list of Best Hospitality and Hotel Management Schools in the World for 2025.
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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.