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