The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) is renowned for its hands-on, industry-aligned training in the automotive sector. The School of Transportation offers a variety of programs designed to prepare students for careers as skilled automotive technicians, service advisors, and industry leaders.
Automotive Service Technology (Diploma)
This 2-year diploma program prepares students for careers as Automotive Service Technicians, combining classroom instruction with hands-on shop experience.
What You’ll Learn
- Vehicle maintenance, diagnostics, and repair
- Manufacturer specifications and industry standards
- Customer service and communication skills
- Real-world experience working on actual vehicles
Graduates can:
- Career: Apprentice or service advisor in automotive shop
- Academic: Continue training through an apprenticeship and eligible to challenge the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Tranining (AIT) Automotive Service Technician exam
With a 100% graduate employment rate, this program meets strong industry demand.
Honda Canada’s Donation to SAIT
SAIT’s automotive programs recently received a significant boost thanks to a generous donation from Honda Canada. When Honda closed its regional technician training center in Calgary, they reached out to SAIT to continue their training on campus. As part of this collaboration, Honda donated everything from hand tools to benches and cabinets to cars to enhance SAIT’s training facilities.
Impact of the Donation
- Modernized Fleet – The newer Honda vehicles allow students to train on up-to-date technology.
- Hands-On Learning – Students gain real-world experience with industry-standard tools and diagnostics.
- Faculty Development – SAIT instructors have access to Honda’s training sessions, keeping their knowledge current.
“We’re excited to collaborate with Honda and incredibly grateful for the donation,” says Chenoa Hansen, academic chair of automotive programs at SAIT. “We’re thrilled to see the difference it’s already made for our students.”
A Win-Win Partnership
Honda Canada’s Manager of Technical Training, David Rampartab, emphasized the importance of industry-education partnerships:
“Our donation to SAIT supports students in gaining real-world experience with the tools and technologies shaping our industry… Strong education-industry partnerships are key to sharing knowledge, fostering talent, and building better communities.”
Honda’s vehicles will benefit SAIT for at least the next five to ten years, and approximately 800 apprentices and over 1,000 students will benefit from the donation this year.
Keeping Up with Industry Changes
As automotive technology evolves, SAIT ensures its programs stay relevant. The partnership with Honda allows faculty to observe pre-production models (vehicles not yet on the market) and participate in training sessions, keeping instructors at the forefront of industry advancements.
SAIT’s automotive programs, combined with Honda Canada’s generous support, provide students with unmatched training opportunities. This collaboration ensures that future automotive technicians are well-prepared for the challenges of modern vehicle repair and innovation.
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Source: Honda Canada partnership helps students, faculty train on top gear – SAIT, Automotive Service Technology – SAIT
