McCoy Global invests $500,000 in students and applied research at NAIT

Edmonton-based McCoy Global has committed $500,000 to the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in support of student success and applied research.

“We are most appreciative of this generous gift from McCoy Global, which will benefit our students and staff for years to come,” said NAIT president and CEO Dr. Glenn Feltham. “Our partnerships with industry are essential in ensuring NAIT continues to meet the current and emerging needs for polytechnic education and applied research in Alberta.”

McCoy Global’s investment includes $250,000 for applied research, $200,000 to ensure students in NAIT’s machinist program have access to the most up-to-date labs and equipment, and $50,000 to establish four scholarships. These new scholarships will be available to students in the CNC and machinist apprentice programs.

McCoy Global, which this year celebrates its 100th anniversary, had its beginnings as a blacksmith shop on Jasper Avenue. It has expanded to a global company, supplying the energy sector with drilling equipment, engineering expertise, productivity-enhancing software and more. Last year, McCoy shipped its products to more than 50 countries.

“As a global company with deep Edmonton roots, we are pleased to invest in NAIT and its students,” said McCoy Global president and CEO Jim Rakievich. “McCoy recognizes the value of our relationship with the institute. We’ve benefited from hiring NAIT grads and utilizing the innovative solutions generated through applied research.”

As part of their capstone project in 2012, a group of NAIT Bachelor of Technology in Technology Management students re-developed a manufacturing space for McCoy, which is reducing costs and increasing productivity for the company.