When people think of SAIT, they often picture students heading to classes in the School of Business, Hospitality or Transportation. But just beyond the familiar hum of student life, another side of SAIT is helping shape Calgary’s workforce: SAIT Corporate and International Training.
Unlike SAIT’s academic schools that focus on diploma and degree programs, the corporate training arm works directly with organizations to help employees upskill and reskill.
“We exist to carry on and help organizations continue to develop their skilled workforce,” says Craig Hess, Director of Business Development at SAIT Corporate Training. “Most of Calgary thinks about SAIT as a place to hire graduates. What we do is help their current employees grow.”
While academic programs can take years to develop and approve, corporate training is fast, responsive and industry-driven with the ability to roll out new courses within weeks. Recent examples include AI for leaders, AI for productivity and AI for accounting and finance. These programs are built with industry, for industry, and are ready when organizations need them.
Craig’s path to SAIT
Craig has spent nearly 30 years in business development, first in the private sector and now in post-secondary. Moving from pharmaceuticals to public education might seem like a leap, but for him it came down to purpose.
“I really like helping organizations meet their needs,” he says. “What is cool about this place is that everyone here is just trying to do great work. They are focused on our learners, our clients and helping them get better at what they do.”
That passion is easy to see when he talks about campus life. After a decade at SAIT, Craig still feels the buzz during the first week of classes.
“It is a fun place to be. The energy on campus makes you feel a little younger and a little older at the same time,” he jokes.
Connecting with local businesses through the Chamber
For Craig and his team, joining the Calgary Chamber was a natural fit.
“SAIT and the Chamber have had a very long relationship,” says Craig. “With our mandate of helping organizations build and maintain the skilled workforce they need, we saw the Chamber as a way to reach more Calgary companies.”
That connection has already opened new doors. Through multiple Chamber events such as business mixers and Chamber Fest, SAIT Corporate Training has been actively face to face with organizations they might not have met otherwise, especially mid-sized companies with 200 to 10,000 employees.
“The Chamber team has been fantastic,” says Craig. “They have been adaptable, supportive and they have brought us an audience we did not have access to before. And they let us have some fun while we do what we do.”
Building skills for Calgary and beyond
Today, SAIT Corporate and International Training offers far more than many realize. They provide everything from leadership development and business skills to technical training, project management and AI programs. They also partner globally, having trained Angolan nationals for two decades to work at an LNG plant in Africa.
Their sweet spot is mid-sized organizations in Alberta’s key sectors like energy, finance, transportation and aviation, but they can tailor programs for teams of any size.
“Do not think you have to go outside the post-secondary system to get great training for your employees,” says Craig. “We can help.”
For organizations ready to build skills and strengthen their teams, Craig keeps it simple. Visit SAIT Continuing Education and Professional Studies online, follow them on LinkedIn or connect with him directly.
“If you are wondering how to upskill your people, reach out,” he says. “We are here to help.”
Explore SAIT Corporate and International Training programs, courses and custom learning options at
sait.ca/continuing-education.
