South Alberta Institute of Technology

Información

      In 1916 Canada's first public technical school opened its doors in temporary quarters in a former police and fire station adjacent to the Colonel James Walker School in southeast Calgary. Named the Provincial Institute of Technology and Art, it was established to train returning World War I veterans. The Institute offered classes in these makeshift facilities until moving to its current location in 1922. A three-storey red brick and sandstone building built in the Collegiate Gothic style opened that year and was shared by the technical institute and a Normal School for the training of teachers. Now known as Heritage Hall, the original building was magnificently restored in 2001 and commands one of the best views in Calgary of the city's downtown on the banks of the Bow River and the Rocky Mountains to the west. The Institute was renamed the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in 1960.

      In the ninety years since its establishment, SAIT Polytechnic's programs have grown to include certificates, diplomas, applied degrees and apprenticeship training in dozens of disciplines. SAIT provides relevant, skill-oriented education in business, communications, construction, energy, engineering technologies, health, hospitality, tourism, manufacturing and transportation. SAIT provides career training and upgrading to over 70,000 registrants a year.

      In recent years SAIT's training expertise has experienced increased demand by regional corporations for employee training, by First Nations for career-development, and by global corporations internationally. SAIT serves more than 150 corporate clients including the top 10 Alberta energy exploration and production companies, and has created more than 350 customized training packages for all industry sectors.

      International training is growing for the institution. Major successes of recent years include that SAIT was selected as one of only three ExxonMobil training centres in the world, delivering energy sector training to more than 35,000 Kazakhstan citizens 1997 through to 2008. SAIT is currently providing training and education in countries world-wide.

      In 2004 SAIT established its third Calgary campus with the opening of the Art Smith Aero Centre for Training and Technology, strategically located at the Calgary International Airport. This is one of the premier aviation training facilities in Canada, featuring many specialized labs, an array of aircraft and helicopters as well as a hangar large enough to accommodate the Institute's Boeing 737-200, used for hands-on technical and maintenance training by students.

      SAIT programs are well thought of among business leaders because they are designed with employers in mind. More than 1,000 business professionals, participating in 65 program advisory committees provide advice and guidance to the institution. In addition, SAIT's Board of Governors hosts three Chairman's Circle meetings every year. More than 70 business and community leaders provide insight to the institution on economic, technological and societal trends in their respective fields, towards developing SAIT programming.

      This comprehensive advisory system explains why SAIT Polytechnic enjoys one of the best graduate employment records in Canada - an average of 97 per cent over the past five years. This impressive record also reflects the numerous partnerships the Institute has with leading national and international companies. These partnerships have also led to the establishment of 7 Centres of Technology Development on campus, many of them unique in Canada. These specialized facilities ensure that SAIT graduates have the advanced skills that will enable them to realize their career ambitions and at the same time contribute towards the highly-skilled workforce required by the economy.

At SAIT, students don't just learn about things, they learn how to do things.

On Campus Housing

      SAIT Residence provides the privacy and lifestyle you deserve in a student community that is conducive to achieving academic success. With a great location, two modern high rises boasting four different floor plans and amenities such as fully furnished units, kitchenettes, high-speed Internet, study lounges, 24-hour security and much more, there is no reason to look anywhere else.

      SAIT Residence is located in the northeast corner of the main campus. The facilities are equipped with recreation/study lounges, on-site laundry facilities, and an extended hours customer service desk.

      SAIT Residence is professionally managed by Canadian Campus Communities, the premier manager of luxurious, academically oriented student communities. Our professional on-site staff is dedicated to serving your needs. Your comfort, well-being and academic success is our first priority.

      Only at SAIT Residence will you find the privacy, freedom and environment you are seeking, coupled with the lifestyle of a luxurious student community.

Campus Meal Plan

      Student residents may purchase a campus meal plan.  A wide variety of healthy menu choices are cooked up daily, presenting a delicious and convenient dining option