“ 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 . ❖
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SMCAA • Sheet Metal Works 15