NAIT one step closer to building centre to address skilled trade shortage

The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is getting closer to seeing its new Advanced Skills Centre becoming reality.

“With industry support, the Advanced Skill Centre here at NAIT represents Alberta’s largest investment in skilled trades and technology based infrastructure in more than a decade,” said Rajan Sawhney, Alberta’s minister of advanced education.

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

If budget 2025 is passed, NAIT will receive $20 million this year to move the project closer to the construction phase.

“This investment will help modernize NAIT’s facilities providing cutting-edge education that supports key industries including construction, transportation, manufacturing and of course energy,” said Matt Jones, minister of jobs, economy and trade.

“The need for the Advanced Skill Centre grows every day. Alberta is experiencing significant population growth that is driven both by attractive economic opportunities and a high quality of life,” NAIT’s President and CEO Laura Jo Gunter said.

“Whether it’s schools, affordable houses or infrastructure projects all will require skilled trades professionals such as carpenters, welders and electricians,” she added.

The province and NAIT believe the new Advanced Skill Centre is the answer to the growing demand for workers, producing job-ready graduates once up and running.

“Just as important, the Advanced Skill Centre will be designed to be future-proof,” said Gunter.

“Our teaching environments will be flexible and it will incorporate the latest innovations in technology. The Advanced Skill Centre will ensure that NAIT can continue to do what we do best, building the skills that build Alberta,” Gunter added.

Each year NAIT has between 30,000 to 40,000 students enrolled in programs – 30 per cent are in the skilled trades and apprenticeship programs.

“In terms of training, no one is better positioned than NAIT,” said Matt Schellenberger, director of corporate development with the Edmonton Construction Association.

“From the perspective of our industry, NAIT graduates are second to none.”

The association represents almost 1,000 companies in the Edmonton region.

“The skilled labour shortage is an ongoing challenge that limits our members ability to deliver public projects on time and on budget,” Schellenberger said, adding he also believes the centre is a strong response to the shortage.

“It will get the right people, with the right skills on job sites across the province where they’re needed most,” said Schellenberger.

The new centre will add 640,000 square-feet of learning space to NAIT’s main campus. It will also feature 10,000 square-feet of space for trades and technology skills exploration that will give K-12 students, community groups and industry a place for hands-on training opportunities.

The facility is currently in the design phase and is expected to be built and operational by 2029.