The sounds of education are now filling the ample spaces at the Saskatchewan Energy Training Institute.
The $14 million facility opened to students last week and already some classes have moved from their former location at the Estevan Comprehensive School with more scheduled to move over as 2012 progresses.
"All the furniture is in place, with IT and audio visual equipment very close to being completed as well," said Â鶹´«Ã½AVeast Regional College facilities manager, Wayne Martin. "There is some painting to be completed in one of the labs, plus some other touch-ups and seasonal work, such as curbing and landscaping, which will be completed over the next few months with minimal disturbance."
Although the opening of the institute was slightly behind schedule there is no questioning that it was worth the wait.
The facility is certainly beautiful but also highly functional as the 13 classrooms, three labs and others areas were designed to maximize the learning experience for the many students that will make their way through the institute.
Sheena Onrait, Estevan campus manager, is extremely satisfied with the new building. "The classrooms are much bigger and we have more of them, which is a huge advantage and will allow us to accommodate the increased number of safety training courses we run during breakup season," said Onrait.
While providing the media with a tour last week, SETI general manager Keith Madu said the facility has drawn raves from students and staff alike.
Madu also noted that a handful of classes have already moved to the institute, notably their power engineering and first aid courses. In an effort to lessen the impact on students, some of the other classes that will eventually call the SETI home, will be moved later in the year while they are on a break.
Among the many highlights in the institute are the spacious corporate boardroom and the auditorium located in the centre of the facility.
The boardroom will be used by the college for their own meetings but will also be made available to local energy companies who might have officials from their head office in town and need a location to meet.
The auditorium will also follow a similar concept. The beautiful, glassed-in room is able to seat roughly 250 people and will be made available to companies and community groups for their events. For example, Madu noted they will be playing host to a major conference in March.
