SAIT is planning to add online learning to its welding program in an effort to adapt to industry demand.
Welding student Russ Neshile illustrates the 3rd year apprenticeship going online.
Starting next academic year, third-year apprentices have an option to complete theoretical and practical portions online, said George Rhodes, academic chair for the welding program.
He said the addition is SAIT’s response to students’ complaints of lost job opportunities.
Rhodes said students who qualify will have the flexibility to work in the industry and complete the program as distant education.
He said students need more educational options to help with financial demands.
“As times change, we need to change to deliver,” Rhodes said. “There are too many students lost through the cracks.”
He said it will reduce practical portion from 12 weeks to an eight week course.
The online component is not mandatory for students, but they must prove academic proficiency to qualify, Rhodes said.
Dan Gimmel from the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board is leading the project.
Rhodes said SAIT hopes the online option will attract more students because other Alberta institutions are offering welding program’s completely online.
Rhodes said the online option will be implemented September 2010.
Jack Graham, academic chair for the electrical department, said the electrical program is looking to follow the lead.
Although they’ve not started creating an online program, Graham said the plan is to cut the fourth-year practical portion from 12 weeks to four or five.
He said the goal is to reduce the amount of study time at SAIT.
Graham said electrical online education won’t be competency based.
Both Graham and Rhodes said they look forward to the online programs.
