NAIT’s Newest Programs

Polytechnic evolving to “better prepare students to hit the ground running."

As Alberta grows and changes, so does NAIT. Across its degrees, applied degrees, diplomas, and certificates, the polytechnic offers roughly 90 programs. But that number changes with time. Educational offerings develop and adapt to the needs of industry, the shape of the economy, and the ambitions of students seeking to enter the workforce.

“We are focused on being industry’s trusted partner,” says Peter Leclaire, NAIT’s vice-president academic. “Part of that is making sure our programs are aligned and relevant — both because it creates opportunities for students and helps support the businesses that drive our economy.”

Achieving that alignment involves the expertise of instructors, Leclaire adds, but it also depends heavily upon input from leaders outside of the polytechnic. “It’s all about drawing industry into the conversation, understanding the trends and reflecting them in our programming so that we can better prepare students to hit the ground running.”

For students just getting started or looking to get ahead in their careers, here’s a look at the newest pathways they may take in achieving their goals.

Advanced Carpentry Technology and work integrated learning

Recently, NAIT education in select trades has come to include diplomas. This fall sees the first intake in Advanced Carpentry Technology, the latest addition to that series.

The two-year program does not require attendees to be registered apprentices yet offers all the theory and hands-on learning grads will need to thrive in the field. The diploma also serves as a pathway to apprenticeship and journeyperson certification.

Additionally, hands-on education in other NAIT trades diplomas will be supplemented with paid, on-the-job experience by way of co-op placements in Advanced Plumbing Technology and Advanced Welding Technology.

Placements last four months. More trades diploma co-op programs are in the works, with announcements to come.

Bachelor of Business Administration concentration

In the first year of the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program, JR Shaw School of Business students take the same 10 foundational courses. After that, they’re free to follow a stream of their choice.

Those streams now include Supply Chain Management, which encompasses production and distribution of goods and services. Other updates to BBA programming are in the works, with news to come.

Bachelor of Technology in Management concentrations

The Bachelor of Technology in Management (BTech) was developed to help technologists elevate their careers as managers. Unique in Alberta, the degree builds on a diploma in a technology-related field with courses on leadership and critical thinking, as well as a hands-on capstone project to create a solution for a current industry problem.

The BTech now includes three new areas of concentration:

• Operations Management focuses on matching efficiency and performance expectations with organizational goals and capabilities.
• Sustainability Management focuses on driving environmental, social and economic change, in keeping with science and legislation.
• Project Management focuses on the leadership and coordination required to complete projects.