By Brady Lang

building a better tomorrow

SIIT relocates, invests in the Battlefords

Feb 8, 2019 | 5:06 PM

An investment in the future of not only the students, but the City of North Battleford.

The grand re-opening of the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) North Battleford Career Centre took place Friday, with dignitaries, elders, chiefs, council members and facilitators taking part. The new space, located in Parkview Square across from city hall, is twice the size of the previous space and will offer a wide range of programs for job seekers.

Within the last year, over 1,000 students passed through the halls of the old building, and over 400 jobs were created through the various programs that SIIT houses within the region. SIIT President and CEO Riel Bellegarde commended the transformation of the building throughout his speech to the packed room of visitors.

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“It’s enormous. We have eight of these centres in the province,” he said. “Not only does (this) benefit local businesses and local industries, but it impacts those families that those individuals represent.”

Throughout the institution’s centres in Saskatchewan, there has been an annual student body of approximately 6,600, along with over 2,500 jobs. A large part of SIIT’s mandate is to connect with the local chamber and industry.

“We try and match, and align those individuals with opportunities,” he said. “These centres play a very important role in building those relationships.”

Dallan Oberg, co-owner of the building, said he was impressed to see the developments of the inside of his building. He toured the renovations, which was an investment of $150,000 for SIIT, and said he is impressed with how the space was used.

“Not only does (this) benefit local businesses and local industries, but it impacts those families that those individuals represent.” _{Riel Bellegarde, President and CEO of SIIT}

Mayor Ryan Bater had praise for the work put into the space, the contributions SIIT made to the business community, and what they’ve brought to the Battlefords.

“We really want in our community for everybody to have an equal access to opportunity, and to participate in our economy,” he said.

SIIT provides skills training for a variety of different avenues predicated on the needs of their specific centres in careers such as business and technology, trades, health and community studies, as well as basic adult education.

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brady.lang@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @BradyLangBFN