“ The facility was built to be flexible and reconfigurable to meet changing needs.”
SAIT POLYTECHNIC
“ The facility was built to be flexible and reconfigurable to meet changing needs.”
In the new competency-based model, where a Period One outcome is“ install residential duct systems,” the apprentice must demonstrate proficiency in reading and interpreting building drawings, applying specification and code requirements for the installation. Students then field measure the fittings required, complete layout for the fittings, manufacture them, install and then seal and test the system.
Sylvester says the new approach will also better address students’ needs.“ Feedback from students is that the training contained aspects they didn’ t need. With these changes, the training focuses on what is very relevant. So we’ re viewing this as positive from all aspects.”
Training space in the Aldred Centre, part of SAIT’ s stateof-the-art Trades and Technology Complex, is being refitted to accommodate the new large-scale installations.
“ The facility was built to be flexible and reconfigurable to meet changing needs,” says Sylvester.“ From what I’ ve seen in other jurisdictions, the labs in the Aldred Centre are some of the best in North America.”
The complex boasts four specialized sheet metal labs— one each for manufacturing, HVAC service, welding and drawing interpretation.
“ If someone from the industry hasn’ t been at SAIT in a while, they would hardly recognize what we’ re doing in the sheet metal program. It’ s not your old journeyman training anymore,” says Sylvester. The pre-employment program offers a new entry route. SAIT will also launch an open-enrolment Pre-employment Sheet Metal program in March— the only such training in Alberta. The 15-week program covers the Period One apprenticeship curriculum as well as some additional hand skills. On successful completion, students will be eligible to challenge the first year provincial apprenticeship exam.
SAIT previously delivered pre-employment sheet metal training for three years to clients of the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society.
“ Employer feedback from that program was very positive,” says Sylvester.“ What employers really like is that they’ re gaining entry-level employees who have relevant industry skills. And they see a real commitment to the trade from those who’ ve taken the program.”
Supports for employers and trainers
Both pre-employment and apprenticeship sheet metal training qualify for funding support to employers under the Canada-Alberta Job Grant program.
Financial assistance is also available directly to apprentices and pre-employment students.
SAIT offers comprehensive study skills and learning strategies services tailored to the needs of trades students, as well as online math and technical reading assessments to help prospective students determine their readiness for training. Almost half of first-year apprentices took the Orientation for Apprentices course last August.
Program dates
March 14, 2016 marked the start of the 15-week Pre-employment Sheet Metal program. Information sessions are held monthly for prospective students to learn more details.
The next intake for all four periods of Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship at SAIT is April 18, 2016. ❖
Levent Konuk / Shutterstock. com ndoeljindoel / Shutterstock. com
SMCAA • Sheet Metal Works 15