NAIT

How do we meet #Canada’s growing demand for skilled trades, and make those careers more accessible to the next generation? Earlier this month, Matt Lindberg‑Fowlow, dean of NAIT’s School of Construction and Building Sciences, joined CBC Radio’s Alberta at Noon to talk about what’s changing in trades education. In the conversation, Matt highlights: • Growing interest in apprenticeship at NAIT • The importance of reaching students earlier • Why misconceptions about the trades are starting to fade • How sustained investment can strengthen Alberta’s workforce Read the full article for key takeaways from the broadcast. nait.li/4tZEgFG #SkilledTrades #Apprenticeship #WorkforceDevelopment #NAIT #PolytechnicEducation

It’s here: a look at NAIT’s Advanced Skills Centre (ASC), a next-generation training environment built for how Alberta works. We’re thrilled to announce that @PCLConstruction will lead construction of the project, designed by @gecarchitecture + @DIALOG. The ASC will bring 29 trades and technology programs together and expand capacity to train 5,500 more learners each year—with hands-on learning, modern labs and shops, and interdisciplinary training that mirrors real job sites. Explore what’s inside (and what it unlocks for Alberta): NAIT.ca/BuildingAlberta #NAIT #AdvancedSkillsCentre #BuildingSkillsBuildingAlberta #SkilledTrades #WorkforceDevelopment

Today, the Premier of Alberta, @ABDanielleSmith, Minister of Advanced Education, @McDougallYYC, and Minister @SearleTurton joined us to announce a $384 million provincial commitment for the construction of the Advanced Skills Centre (ASC), the next expansion of NAIT’s main campus. We are incredibly grateful to @YourAlberta for its continued support. This is a significant step forward for the ASC, a building designed to expand training capacity in response to Alberta’s growing demand for skilled trades and technology professionals. The ASC will accommodate 5,500 more learners each year, supporting the next generation of builders, makers, and leaders. Learn more + follow project updates: NAIT.ca/BuildingAlberta #NAIT #AdvancedSkillsCentre #BuildingSkillsBuildingAlberta #SkilledTrades #WorkforceDevelopment

CLRA welcomes the announcement from Minister @RajanJSaw and @trades_alberta on new funding to support Indigenous participation in the #skilledtrades. Expanding access to training helps more people enter and succeed in Alberta’s skilled trades. alberta.ca/release.cfm?xI…

With wildfires, floods and extreme weather becoming more common, a little planning now can make a big difference later. NAIT Disaster and Emergency Management chair Jodi Manz-Henezi recommends understanding local risks, making a household plan (including pets), setting up reliable communication, and preparing a “go kit” or emergency supplies for staying put. Preparedness isn’t about fear—it’s about confidence and resilience when it matters most. 👉 Learn practical tips and steps you can take today. Read the full story on how to prepare for an emergency or disaster: techlifetoday.nait.ca/articles/2023/…

NAIT Corporate & Continuing Education is updating its enrolment system to serve you better! For a brief period during this update, registration will be unavailable. If you’d like to sign up for their newsletter, please visit: nait.li/3T5cqYC

NAIT instructor Paul Bettio is set to represent Canada on the world stage as the country’s official carpentry expert at WorldSkills 2026 in Shanghai, marking the first time in over 15 years that Canada will compete in this category. Alongside Team Canada competitor Logan Peters and trainer David Jones (both from Lakeland College Canada), Bettio will help lead the charge as they take on the world’s best in one of the largest international skilled trades competitions. With more than 1,400 competitors from across the globe, WorldSkills highlights the power of hands-on learning, and we’re proud to see NAIT expertise playing a key role in Canada’s return to the global stage. See how Paul Bettio built his WorldSkills dream: nait.li/4f3tdas

Retention in the skilled trades starts long before someone considers leaving. Ashleigh Kaliszuk, an instructor in the Crane and Hoist Operator program, shared her takeaways from CONEXPO 2026, North America's largest construction conference, in an article for techlifetoday. She highlights how day‑to‑day leadership and workplace culture directly influence whether skilled trades professionals stay, grow, or walk away. She also reflects on industry conversations around accountability, respect, and the behaviours that shape job sites, reminding us that culture is more valuable when it’s demonstrated daily. Read more on techlifetoday: techlifetoday.nait.ca/articles/2026/… #SkilledTrades #WorkforceRetention #IndustryLeadership #Construction #NAIT

On May fourth, something felt different at NAIT. In the quiet corners of campus, coffee machines stopped working, doors whooshed open without anyone touching them, and near the Common Market, an Ookpik was spotted levitating a donut towards its mouth. That’s when we knew: Grog‑Ook had awakened. By day, NAIT’s beloved Ookpik mascot. By night (and apparently by space magic), a small green Jedi-in-training with very strong Force abilities. Wrapped in a tiny robe that definitely wasn’t part of the brand standards, Grog‑Ook waddled across campus protecting students, naps, and snack breaks with incredible powers. Instructors swear they felt a calming presence during finals week. Students reported mysteriously finding their pens when they’d just sworn they lost them. And whenever someone said “group project,” Grog‑Ook would sigh deeply and quietly use the Force to carry the emotional burden. Is Grog‑Ook formally trained? No. Does Grog‑Ook knock things over constantly? Yes. Is Grog‑Ook still the chosen one? Also yes. So this May 4th, whether you’re a Jedi, a Padawan, or just someone trying to make it through the semester, remember: The Force is strong at NAIT. It just happens to be about the size of an Ookpik. #MaytheFourth be with you!

Hunter and Ook hung out with staff across campus this week, whipping up #LOILTY. We're proud @EdmontonOilers fans here! #LetsGoOilers

Building a teeth‑brushing routine has to be intentional. We’ve got practical tips to help parents get started. Did we miss any? Leave them in the comments below. Find more tips, and book a teeth-cleaning appointment with NAIT students: nait.li/4n6L3vq

On April 28, NAIT celebrated students, staff, and patient partners making a difference through interprofessional education (IPE) in the School of Health and Life Sciences. This year, 998 students took part in IPE learning experiences, including the Mass Casualty Incident Simulation. Twenty-two students were nominated for excellence across IPE competencies. Nine staff members were nominated for fostering engaging learning through innovation and mentorship, alongside three patient partners honoured for championing collaboration. Congratulations to all nominees and award recipients!

With renewed investment in nation‑building infrastructure, the key challenge is execution. Delivering projects on time and at scale depends on having access to a highly skilled workforce. At the 2026 Polytechnic Showcase, Peter Leclaire and Patti Hergott will spotlight @NAIT as one of Canada’s largest skilled trades training providers, and how the polytechnic is modernizing facilities, equipment, and learning models to ensure the talent needed to build Canada’s future is ready. Learn more about the 2026 Polytechnic Showcase: polytechnicscanada.ca/events/canadas… #PCInnovationPartners

One of NAIT’s newest programs is also one of our most eco-friendly. In Building Automation Systems Technology (BAST), students learn how to make buildings smarter and more efficient. They do it in a hands-on, apprenticeship-style model where 51%+ of learning happens on the job with local businesses (in paid roles). And the program truly practises what it teaches: ✅ Going paperless with a “zero textbook cost” approach ✅ Reusing equipment from other programs and campus IT ✅ Recycling (including 100% of the wire used in training) Read more about BAST: nait.li/4sQf3g7 #NAIT #EarthDay #Sustainability #SmartBuildings #BuildingAutomation #EnergyEfficiency

If you can't be at the game, here are the next best places to be. Because you'll be supporting a(t least one) NAIT grad. And watching playoff hockey. Who doesn't love playoff hockey? #LetsGoOilers nait.li/4tZr0kC

We're pleased to announce the appointment of Melanie Bayley as NAIT's new board chair, effective April 30, 2026. With more than 25 years of leadership experience across Canada’s energy and utilities sector, Melanie brings deep expertise in operational excellence, innovation, and workforce development to NAIT. Congratulations on your appointment, Melanie! nait.li/4ewXpub

Last night, we celebrated the 2026 NAIT Celebrates recipients and recognized the lasting impact they’ve each made through their spirit, dedication, and generosity. We’re so proud of these incredible grads, partners, and friends who continue to do amazing things in their careers and communities. From everyone at #NAIT, congratulations! A special thank you to our affinity program partner #TDInsurance for supporting this event and our alumni programming. Read more about the recipients at nait.ca/celebrate. #NAITCelebrates #OokForLife

We’re proud to share our 2026 #NAITCelebrates award recipients! 🎉 🎉 🎉 @Suncor receives the Distinguished Industry Partner award for their nearly four-decade partnership with NAIT, dedication to industry, and community leadership. Daniel Yeung, Senior Advisor of Canadian Dental Labs and former President of Universal Dental Lab, receives the Distinguished Friend of the Institute Award for his outstanding contributions to NAIT, leadership in the dental technology field, and impact in the community. Jennifer Kinzer, Project Manager at @PCLConstruction, receives the Distinguished Alumni Award for her leadership, advocacy for women in construction, and contributions at NAIT. Asmahan Rabo, Founder of Needs4Water, receives the Alumni Award of Excellence Award for her contributions to sustainable water accessibility in underserved communities. Patrick Twinn, Director of Indigenous Relations at @atbfinancial, receives the Alumni Award of Excellence for his community leadership and advocacy for Indigenous inclusion and reconciliation. Seth Potter, owner of Dental Design Services, receives the Spirit of NAIT Alumni Award for his entrepreneurial spirit and his collaborative, innovative approach in the dental industry. Please join us in congratulating this group! Learn more about each of the recipients: nait.ca/celebrate #OokForLife

Last week we were happy to have members of the Sandvik Coromant (@SandvikCoromant) team on campus as they hosted an awards celebration for recipients of their 2024-2025 Student Awards.

It's almost here! Before you know it, you'll be crossing the stage. Apply for convocation now at NAIT.ca/Convocation and if you're stuck, our checklist can help you get sorted before the application deadline (May 13).