Summer of 2009

The summer excitement continues! The SAIT momentum “stampedes” on throughout the summer months. The Lilac Festival was a terrific success. Michelle and I had the opportunity to talk to many Calgarians and visitors at the event. The beautiful weather made the festival a great way to kick off the summer season. It was great meeting and talking with many people interested in attending SAIT in the fall, or going back to school in one of our Continuing Education courses.

The ATB Golf Tournament took place last week. The recruiters were located on Stephen Avenue with our Robotic Arm that putts golf balls better than I ever could. Representatives from the Automated Systems Engineering Technology program were on hand to answer questions about our excellent robotics program.

Back on campus, the Student Services department has also completed another busy Apprenticeship Registration week. The entire department made this our top priority. Thanks to everyone’s hard work and commitment, it was a great success.

Next you can find us at the Sun and Salsa Festival on July 19th. We hope to see you there!

Peace,

Jason

Reconnecting through art

The Student Recruitment Team and the Student Success Team got together this past Thursday to express our inner children, while also building our connections as a team.

As a team builder we headed down to the Fire Escape for an evening of potluck and paint. Each of us purchased our own pottery. We then drew names and painted the piece of the person we drew. We had a great time trying to figure out just the best way to design and paint our masterpieces. The staff at the Fire Escape were fantastic and helped to make our experience that much better.

One of the many great things about working at SAIT is the fun and energetic group of people I get to share an office with. This event was just one more way that we could connect, catch up on real life and express ourselves.

Congratulations to SAIT’s Graduates!

On June 1st and 2nd we proudly watched over 1100 graduates from the many SAIT programs cross the stage to receive their credentials. With much pomp and circumstance, the institute honored the graduates and celebrated with their family and friends.

Once a student has graduated, SAIT does not cut all ties, we like to keep in touch through the Alumni and Development Office where there are many services offered.

SAIT also has a Student Employment office that is available to our graduates as well. If you are interested in checking out the jobs or if you are an employer looking for an employee then please enter our Student Employment website.

Canadian Forces Subsidized Education Plan

On May 26th, 2009 I had the pleasure of sailing aboard the HMCS Regina out of CFB Esquimalt BC. The sail was a way for the Canadian Military to inform members of the Universities, Technical Institutes and Colleges of the fantastic opportunities that the Military offers in the form of Educational Subsidies. It is my job now to tell the public that I come into contact with about how the Canadian Military, specifically the Navy, can make a difference in your life.

I’ll tell you about the adventure then I will get into specifics about the program itself.

We left the harbor in Victoria aboard the HMSC Regina around 9 am. Before leaving dock the crew lined us up and had us cheer “Rider Pride” before they pushed off. The Frigit itself was decked out in all sorts of Roughriders banners and Saskatchewan signs. Just across from us on the dock was the HMSC Calgary and of course we could see the Stampeder’s Horse symbols all over the place.

Once we hit the waterway the crew got right down to business by providing tours of the entire vessel. We saw everything from the communications deck, missiles and torpedoes, living quarters, showers, and mess halls. An explanation was given about how the entire Frigit was designed to provide quiet and safe passage; they even had the crew perform high speed maneuvers to show us what the vessel was capable of!

I could go on forever as the how well we were treated, how exciting the entire experience was and how I will remember it for the rest of my life, but I want to ensure I have space to talk about the program itself.

What is this Non-Commissioned Member Subsidized Education Plan?

The Canadian Forces (CF) offers an entry program to provide college education and a salary for specific occupations. Selected applicants will receive the full cost of tuition, associated fees, books, and instruments. Starting salary is $31,020 with increases every year ($37,932 in 2nd year, $45,552 in 3rd year).

While studying, students receive the same benefits as other members of the CF including, annual leave, medical and dental benefits. It is also possible for students to join the subsidized education program while in their first or second year of studies. Graduates typically serve two months for each month of academic funding beginning on the date of college graduation.

This program is competitive and a limited number of applicants will be selected. A person can apply through the nearest Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre or Detachment or online at FORCES.CA

Eligibility: enroll in the CF into one of the professions listed below (NCM-SEP); provide proof of unconditional acceptance into an approved post-secondary institute and program applicable to the occupation; successfully complete Basic Military Qualification Training either before starting the full-time academic program or, in the event of conflicting schedules, after the completion of the first year.

The following is a list of programs that SAIT Polytechnic offers that are eligible for full subsidy with the CF. Underneath the program that SAIT offers is the specific job list that it transfers to with the Military:

Electronics Engineering Technology
- Naval Weapons Technician
- Naval Electronics Technicians (Communications)
- Naval Electronics Technicians (Radar)
- Naval Electronics Technicians (Sonar)
- Electronic-Optronic Technicians (Land)
- Land Communication and Information Systems Technicians
- Aerospace Telecommunications and Information Systems Technicians

Dental Assisting
- Dental Technicians

Automotive Service Technician
- Vehicle Technician

Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Technology
- Aviation Systems Technicians

Avionics Technology
- Avionics Systems Technicians

Aircraft Structures Technician
- Aircraft Structures Technicians

Medical Laboratory Technology
- Medical Laboratory Technologists

Medical Radiologic Technology
- Medical Radiation Technologists

Emergency Medical Technician
- Medical Technicians

If you have any questions about SAIT please feel free to contact me at michelle.ashmore@sait.ca . If you have questions about the Canadian Forces and the opportunities they have for you please check out their website at FORCES.CA