Program Description
As a student in this full-time, fast-track 34-week PPD certificate program, you will gain practical skills in the latest software and drafting techniques in the process piping industry. We work closely with industry leaders to ensure that what you’re learning today directly applies to your career tomorrow.
In the PPD program, we aid in your success through expert instruction, small class sizes and a personalized approach. You’ll benefit from the first-hand knowledge of our instructors who bring a wealth of experience within various sectors in the piping industry to the classroom.
Graduates of the SAIT PPD program are highly sought after. With an industry-recognized PPD certificate, you’ll be qualified to start an exciting career as a Junior Drafter. Graduates work in energy resources, government, post-secondary education institutions, municipal, water treatment, hospitality, and construction, to name a few industries. (see Your Career section below for more opportunities).
There are two intakes per year commencing in September and January. The program accepts 36 students per intake.
Note: This program uses a delivery method consisting of a combination of both e-Learning and in-class instruction. SAIT issued laptops are not provided.
Unique Learning Environment
At SAIT, we offer PPD students a one-of-a-kind educational experience in Canada. Many state of the art buildings in SAIT’s Trades and Technology Complex have been specially built as applied living lab facilities, utilizing exposed pipes and working equipment for instructional purposes.
As a PPD student, you’ll gain practical skills and a behind-the-scenes knowledge by learning at the Cenovus Energy Centre and the Rance Fisher Wellsite -a 757 metre directionally drilled well bore complete with a service rig. These state-of-the-art facilities allow students safe learning in real-world work environments that would otherwise be difficult to access.
On-campus instruction also occurs in the program’s dedicated computer labs used exclusively by PPD students, including after hours access to study or work on assignments.
You’ll also have a number of ways to connect with fellow students, faculty and industry leaders through special networking events and student clubs.
Your Career
Graduates of the PPD program have a high employment rate. You may find work locally or abroad as a Junior Drafter within various fields and facilities of the piping industry including:
| Heavy Oil and Natural Gas Processing | Pharmaceutical | Fertilizer |
| Oil and Gas Pipelining | Pulp and Paper | Liquefied natural gas (LNG) |
| Petroleum Refining | Food and Beverage Processing | Fabrication |
| Oil Sands | Water Filtration | Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) |
| Offshore Drilling | Oceanarium and aquarium manufacturing | Pipelines |
| Cryogenics | Wastewater Treatment | Ship building |
| Petrochemical | Municipal, Residential and Commercial Construction |
Student Success
- This is an intensive program requiring a commitment of both time and energy; students who experience success are those who make their education a priority during the 34 weeks of the program.
- Most successful students spend approximately 25 hours per week doing homework and review, with additional study required to prepare for exams in addition to classroom time.
- The material is presented at a rapid rate, so for the greatest level of success you must be present and take responsibility for your learning experience.
- Draftspersons are disciplined, detail-oriented and enjoy working in a team environment.
Credentials and Accreditation
After successfully completing this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT certificate in Process Piping Drafting.
Graduates from the PPD program are now eligible to earn their C.Tech and C.E.T. designations through The Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals in Alberta (ASET).
This program is eligible for Canada-Alberta Job Grant funding.
Return to: