The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies and Boeing celebrate grand opening of expanded Saskatchewan Aviation Learning Centre

The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) and Boeing today celebrated the expansion of the Saskatchewan Aviation Learning Centre (SALC), marking a new chapter in their partnership to support Indigenous talent, enhance aerospace training, and inspire future careers in aviation across Saskatchewan. The expansion of SALC strengthens Saskatchewan's capacity to train the next generation of aircraft maintenance engineers, supporting both the province's aerospace sector and industry-wide efforts to address workforce shortages across Canada.

The upgraded facility includes state-of-the-art classrooms, a specialized avionics lab and expanded practical training spaces that provide students with industry-relevant experience. It also serves as the home of SIIT's new Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Category E (AME-E) Avionics program, broadening access to advanced aerospace training opportunities.

Riel Bellegarde, President & CEO of SIIT commented: "More than 15 years ago, Boeing saw the potential in what SIIT was building through the Saskatchewan Aviation Learning Centre, and they have continued to walk alongside us as that vision has grown. Today, as we celebrate our 50th anniversary as an institution we can reflect on how far that vision has come and what this expansion will make possible for Indigenous learners in aviation and aerospace. Together, we are creating more opportunities for the next generation of Indigenous learners to build their skills, pursue meaningful careers and help shape the future of aviation and aerospace in Canada."

Al Meinzinger, President of Boeing Canada stated: "We're very proud of what our longstanding partnership with SIIT has achieved, particularly in expanding access to high-quality aerospace education here in Saskatchewan. This will help create meaningful opportunities for Indigenous learners and it's exciting to know that students trained at the SALC will bring their talent and skills to the aerospace sector for years to come."

The expansion is being supported through Boeing's $17 million CAD Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) investment in SIIT's programs, services and operations. The investment is linked to the Government of Canada's selection of the P-8A Poseidon as its Multi-Mission Aircraft. Boeing's partnership with SIIT dates back to 2010, when the company helped establish the Saskatchewan Aviation Learning Centre. Since then, the collaboration has continued to evolve, supporting the growth of both the centre and SIIT's aviation training offerings. Together, SIIT and Boeing are creating meaningful educational and career pathways for Indigenous learners while helping build a skilled, diverse workforce for Canada's aerospace industry.

"Canada's Industrial and Technological Benefits program is delivering tangible results for Canadians," said the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State for Defence Procurement. "The new Saskatchewan Aviation Learning Centre will create new training opportunities in the aerospace sector and continue to grow Canada's aviation capabilities."

"This expansion is an important investment in Saskatchewan students, communities and industries," said Saskatchewan Minister of Advanced Education Ken Cheveldayoff. "Partnerships like this ensure our students have access to high-quality, hands-on training close to home. The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to support opportunities that help address workforce needs, strengthen our economy and create pathways to success for Indigenous learners across the province."

"It's great to see a private company continue its long-standing partnership with the SIIT and provide additional funding to support the expansion of the Saskatchewan Aviation Learning Centre," said Saskatchewan Minister of Immigration and Career Training Eric Schmalz. "This, along with the funding the Government of Saskatchewan provides for the aircraft maintenance engineer program, is an important investment into the skilled trades."