Sheet metal training evolves at SAIT Polytechnic
When SAIT Polytechnic opened its doors in 1916 as the Provincial Institute of Technology and Art, metal working was one of just two inaugural programs.
One hundred years later, sheet metal training continues to be a program in demand. SAIT has offered the provincial apprenticeship program in that trade since 1950. Last year, 340 apprentices were enrolled across all four periods of sheet metal worker training.
And the year ahead will see some exciting new advances, says Duane Sylvester, Academic Chair for HVAC Trades in SAIT’ s School of Construction.
“ The course outline for sheet metal worker apprenticeship training has been revamped at the recommendation of the Provincial Advisory Committee, and by September 2016 all three
schools offering the training— SAIT, NAIT and Grande Prairie Regional College— will be delivering the new curriculum,” says Sylvester.
The biggest change is the addition of a complete HVAC installation section in each training period, Sylvester explains. In Period One, apprentices will do a complete furnace installation for a residential project. Periods Two, Three and Four focus on HVAC installations for light commercial, larger commercial and industrial duct systems, respectively.
“ These additions of a whole installation— not just pieces— in each period of training reflect what employers have told the Provincial Advisory Committee they are looking for,” Sylvester says.“ This will improve outcomes for industry.”
The course outline also reflects a switch to competencybased learning.
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14 March 2016 • www. smcaa. ca