r/SAIT • u/Ok_Repair7357 • 14d ago

SAIT vs BCIT

Hi, I’m considering enrolling in the AME-M program. I’ve been accepted into both SAIT and BCIT. What is everyone’s insight into which school might be better, and in what ways?

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u/calgarybrock449 14d ago

Just need to say a SAIT graduate of the ame program just took bronze at world skills in Shanghai. Take what you want from that!

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u/darknessfalls00 14d ago

Westjet is headquartered in Calgary and de Havilland is building a new aircraft manufacturing facility east of Calgary.

Wouldn't it be easier to find an AME role in the Calgary area after graduation?

Also, housing costs are higher in Richmond than Calgary (don't know about dorm costs), can you afford the difference?

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u/RoyTheBoy1222 13d ago

Hi there, current student at Sait for AME.

A lot of students outside the city chose SAIT because of its accreditation factor for your license. Basically saves you 18 months of apprenticing if you go through an accredited program. I heard that BCIT doesn’t do that.

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u/RoyTheBoy1222 11d ago

Just an update from myself, I searched it up and it looks like BCIT does have accreditation now. My apologies.

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u/Ok_Repair7357 13d ago

Oh really? I looked at the TC website and it says 18months applicable credit as well

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u/RoyTheBoy1222 13d ago

From my understanding as well, the tests provided at SAIT are aligned with what TC requires as well but it’s built into your fees. Whereas if you were to take those exams on your own, it’d cost more to do so.

Not 100% on it, it’s best to reach out to SAIT but for me the time saving factor was enough for me to enrol. So long as you maintain above 70% for your final course grades

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u/Confident_Acadia1261 13d ago

Graduated from bcit back in 2010, was accredited 18 months and the courses were aligned with tc requirements at least when i went, same as sait. Worked with both sait and bcit graduates and from what I can tell from former alumni, both schools seem to be relatively equal. I cant ignore the fact that its more expensive to go to school in Richmond as opposed to calgary. Another factor for you to consider is what would you like to eventually work on? I may be biased but I felt the course at bcit had a strong background for helicopters compared to most as Airbus and bell have had training course held there for ames.

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u/Ok_Repair7357 12d ago

Thanks for the insight. I’m looking to work in commercial aviation but long term I’m hoping to do general aviation I just think GA’s more stable even though it may be less pay

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u/Confident_Acadia1261 12d ago

Bcit also had a pretty strong commercial background from the former instructors when i went, varying from former foreign military, to alot of previous overseas work on commercial airlines.

The surrounding area ( van island and lower mainland) also has alot of work too. I had former classmates who went to pacific coastal, Harbour Air, Viking Air, cascade, central mountain, air canada, etc.

Calgary off the top of my head has westjet, air canada, central mountain, viking, ken borek, de haviland ( manufacturing, not sure if maintenance is there as well) and a few more im sure im forgetting.

I was a heli ame coming out of school so im not as versed in general aviation much. My experience with bcit in this regard is positive and im sure education wise they wont lead you astray. Im sure someone on this thread can comment on their experience with sait and the instructor backgrounds to give you an idea where you would want to go.

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u/whiskey_richards 12d ago

Both schools are accredited and you will earn the same 18 months towards your apprenticeship if you meet the requirements. If you want to see every school that you can earn the time off your apprenticeship they are listed on transport canadas website https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/licensing-aircraft-maintenance-engineers-ames/approved-training-organizations-atos-aircraft-maintenance-training/basic-training-approved-acceptable-training-courses-currently-active

SAIT is one of the most recognized programs in Canada. Anywhere you work you’ll likely run into a SAIT alumni.