Boeing Investment Boosts SIIT Aviation Capacity to Meet Industry Demand
The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) has opened a new aviation centre, doubling its training capacity through a partnership with Boeing Canada. The $17-million investment from Boeing funded the construction of the facility and will increase student spots in aircraft maintenance and avionics programs.
SIIT President and CEO Riel Bellegarde said demand for aviation careers is rising, especially in maintenance work, which is why doubling capacity was necessary. Boeing Canada's president, Al Meinzinger, praised SIIT's new facility as a world-class centre with classrooms and labs designed specifically for aerospace training.
The expanded program will offer hands-on experience working on aircraft, helicopters, and engines, as well as avionics training in cockpit instruments and systems. The investment also supports the introduction of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Category E Avionics program, which has never been offered in Saskatchewan before.