NAIT to expand technology programs to meet industry demand

Seven high-demand programs at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) will be expanded between now and 2017 to accommodate additional students, thanks to provincial funding announced in the 2014 budget.

The programs being expanded to accommodate an additional 390 seats include: Chemical Engineering Technology, Civil Engineering Technology, Construction Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Instrumentation Engineering Technology, Petroleum Engineering Technology and Water & Wastewater Technology.

“NAIT is pleased the government has allocated additional funding for programs in high demand,” said NAIT president and CEO Dr. Glenn Feltham. “At NAIT, our focus is on meeting the current and emerging needs for polytechnic education. Our graduates are essential to Alberta’s continued prosperity. These additional spaces are aligned directly with industry’s needs.”

The high-demand programs were chosen by the provincial government based on graduate employment outcomes, employer support, labour market demand and student enrolment.

“Alberta has one of the best post-secondary systems in Canada, but we can always do more to increase access for students and foster collaboration between institutions,” said Dave Hancock, Premier and Minister of Innovation and Advanced Education. “That’s why we are creating more spaces so students can get the learning opportunities they want to pursue their dreams, and increasing funding to create new programs and stimulate collaboration in the Campus Alberta system.”