The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) on Monday hosted 200 high school students who think they could end up working in the trades. NAIT’s annual “NEXT in Trades” event is meant to give youth an opportunity to explore the polytechnic’s lab and shop spaces, participate in workshops and meet NAIT staff, alumni and industry members. This year, it coincided with Alberta’s Apprenticeship Day. Knowing he enjoys working with his hands and would one day like to start a business with his brothers who are a plumber and electrician, Trace Canning participated in the workshops related to carpentry and construction. The Grade 11 student from Holy Redeemer Catholic High School in Edson said he was looking for “guidance for what I might want to do after high school.” “It’s very well organized and I quite enjoy it so far,” he told CTV News Edmonton. NAIT provided workshops in 14 disciplines, including culinary arts, insulation and cabinetmaking. “Our hope is that the students who participate in this activity are going to have really good questions and answers to those questions. We want them to make sure that they are finding a career choice that they’re passionate about,” said Matthew Lindberg-Fowlow, NAIT’s construction and building sciences dean. With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Darcy Seaton
