International Experiences
Canada Trip Expands Horizons
Alice Berry
A group of Box Hill Institute students and teachers travelled to the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Canada during September 2005.
The three-week exchange was organised through the Institute's Global Education Network (GEN) and included classes as well as industry, and tourist visits.
The group included three students from the Centre for Building & Furniture Studies, two from the Centre for Automotive, Transport & Engineering and three from the Centre for Hospitality & Tourism Studies.
Automotive teacher Adrian Lea and hospitality teacher Catherine Dubois accompanied the students. Adrian said he noticed a big difference in the structure of the two Institutes.
"Box Hill Institute is driven by government funding and apprenticeships, while apprenticeships are only a small part of the automotive program at SAIT," he said. "Our automotive students have more practical skills than their Canadian counterparts, as their automotive program is more theory-based."
Adrian said there were also opportunities for the automotive students to work in Canada one day. "There seems to be a real shortage of tradespeople over there," he said.
Building student Alastair Morris is completing a Certificate III in General Construction and is a third-year apprentice with the Housing Industry Association. Alastair found the major difference between Box Hill Institute and SAIT was the technology.
"SAIT has state-of-the-art equipment and brand new tools every year, with the previous year's tools being auctioned off to the apprentices," he said. "The trip has been really inspiring for me. After I finish my apprenticeship, I'd like to work overseas."
Box Hill Institute provided the return airfares for the trip and a cheque for $450 per participant thanks to a Konica Minolta sponsorship.
The Housing Industry Association assisted with accommodation expenses for the three building students.
SAIT Polytechnic visits Box Hill Institute 2006
Surf's up!
Surfing was the best part of the exchange. It was incredibly bizarre because I have never even seen a surfer before! It was similar to snowboarding but a lot warmer (and wetter!) We had an instructor who was an amazing surfer – he showed off a bit at the end of the lesson and stood on his head. The experience showed how different the lifestyle of Canadians and Australians can be. Although I drank a lot of salty seawater, I would love to do it all again…
(Chelsea, SAIT 2006).
Classroom observation
The Advanced Operating Systems 2 (AOS) class dealt with Microsoft's ISA 2004 server and was not something we had covered at SAIT. While it was based on a book curriculum the labs that were completed after the reading were very hands on. And thanks to the small class sizes, if any problems had arisen, it was very quick in terms of the instructor. Also sitting in on a class I haven't taken at SAIT was really informative, and actually taught me things about ISA 2004 I didn't know, and can now implement in industry when I return to work in the summer. As everyone in the class was at the same general level it was easy to ask questions and participate with other students, even if it was just from over their shoulders!
(Bryan, SAIT 2006)
Industry exposure
I really enjoyed the BMW training centre visit. The visit showed me the strict training procedures and protocols BMW technicians must adhere to in order to maintain the prestige of the BMW name. The visit impacted on me by giving me ideas as to how to run and operate a high-end garage. In addition, the visit also showed me the cross-cultural nuances between Australian, Canadian and German business practices. The tour basically consisted of viewing the training facility for the technicians and the office staff. The facility itself is highly sophisticated and well equipped with the most cutting edge tools. I one day strive to operate a garage with the same level of sophistication and technology.
(Tri, SAIT 2006)
The BMW Training Centre was such a great experience. We actually got shown a cut away of their new valve lift technology and even saw the CSL M5, a car that I can only dream about! BMW has set a standard on the quality of work around Australia, and I can not wait to get back home and research the local BMW centres and find out if there is a similar centre to which I might apply.
(Austin, SAIT 2006)