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About our School

Our history in aviation

Aviation started in earnest in 1930 with eight students in a full-time program called Aeronautics. After being previously put on hold by the events of WWII, public training and classes resumed at the campus on North Hill and the aviation program became a three-year Aeronautical Engineering program.

As the modern era of aviation took hold and the industry began to grow in Canada, SAIT introduced two new programs, Aircraft Maintenance Technology program (present-day Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Technology) in 1957 and Avionics Technology 1975 to help meet industry demand.  In 1996, in response to a need defined by the Department of National Defence, another aviation program was added: Aircraft Structures Technician. The addition of this program completed the evolution to the programs offered by the School of Transportation. 

With successful programs and recognition of a future labour shortage, SAIT took the lead in responding to industry demand for more aviation maintenance graduates and sought assistance to developing a new aviation campus at the Calgary International Airport. After years of planning and with the collaborative support of the Alberta Provincial Government, the Government of Canada, the City of Calgary, the Calgary International Airport Authority, and industry partners, a new facility, the Art Smith Aero Centre for Training and Technology (ACTT), was built on land connected to Taxiway "N", a celebrated jewel in SAIT's crown.

Automotive impact

As automotive technologies continue to progress and are more reliant on computers, today's automotive service technicians are more skilled than ever before. More sophisticated equipment repair is required of technicians on top of the classical mechanical diagnoses and repair.

SAIT’s Automotive Centre, the Clayton Carroll building provides a world-class training facility and atmosphere for students pursuing a career in the automotive industry. The facility, built on three levels, offers 70,000 square feet of quality learning space including 35,000 square feet dedicated to hands-on training in three Automotive Bays with the capacity to house 60 training vehicles.

 

Rail training for the future

From tracks and signals to cars and locomotives, to operations and control - all aspects of the railway operations system are interconnected. The performance of one relies on the performance of the other. System performance relies on the performance of the workers.

Today, Canada's railway is faced with many exciting challenges and SAIT is working side by side with the industry to meet those challenges. There is a demand in the railway industry for a workforce that can master new technologies and skills and adapt to structural change. Individuals who plan to make a career on the railway as professional railroaders are crucial to the success of the industry.

Our industry partners

Calgary Motor Dealers Association (CMDA)

The partnership was established in 1985 when SAIT began to participate in the CMDA's Annual International Car and Truck Show. The partnership has evolved and the CMDA is an important supporter of our diploma programs: Business Administration - Automotive Management and Automotive Service Technology, as well as the apprentices in the auto body, automotive, heavy equipment and parts programs, through scholarship funds. 

Calgary Motor Dealers

Ford Canada

Ford of Canada selected SAIT as the Alberta-only approved Ford Automotive Student Service Educational Training (ASSET) training centre. Ford has donated $750,000 for ongoing support for the program.

General Motors

The partnership began in 1984 when SAIT provided an instructor to GM to deliver courses on specialized electronics in Southern Alberta and British Columbia. Based upon the success of this contract, SAIT became one of two Canadian colleges to provide auto body training to GM personnel across the country.

In 1995 SAIT began delivering apprenticeship training to GM's Automotive Service Education Program (ASEP). GM has provided vehicles, equipment, tools and curriculum to support this extension of the partnership.

 

Melroe Bobcat

In 1996 SAIT started providing training to Bobcat equipment technicians in Western Canada and the Northwest Territories. Bobcat trains SAIT's trainers and provides equipment and tools to support the partnership. SAIT benefits from having instructors updated in the latest technology and students benefit from having access to the latest equipment.

Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA)

The RVDA provides strong industry support by way of donations, scholarships, and programs that directly support our Recreation Vehicle Service Technician apprentices.

Railway Association of Canada

The Railway Association of Canada (RAC), represents some 60 member freight, tourist, commuter, and intercity Canadian railways, playing a major role in promoting the safety, viability, and growth of the railway industry within Canada.

Canadian National

CN's goal is to be the best transportation company in North America. Employees working in rail yards, offices and intermodal terminals all bring essential skills and play an important role in keeping our operations running smoothly.

Canadian Pacific Railway

At CP, we're all railroaders and our culture is one of hard work, accountability and doing what we say we'll do. Why? Because we want to see our customers' businesses grow. When you join CP, you'll be part of a 130-year-old company known for building businesses and building a nation.

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