NORTHERN ALBERTA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
NAIT launches 5 new programs

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 or elevate their positions within it.

"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.

Explore all of NAIT's program offerings

Advanced Carpentry Technology and work integrated learning

Recently, NAIT education in select trades has come to include diplomas. This fall will see 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, by this fall, hands-on education in other NAIT trades diplomas will be supplemented with paid, on-the-job experience by way of co-op placements. Opportunities include

• Advanced Plumbing Technology
• Advanced Welding Technology

Placements last four months. More trades diploma co-ops programs are in the works; watch for announcements to come.

Learn about Advanced Carpentry Technology entrance requirements and career outcomes

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.

This fall, those streams will include Supply Chain Management, which encompasses production and distribution of goods and services. Other updates to BBA programming are in the works, with announcements soon 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 Managment focuses on the leadership and coordination required to complete projects.

Cybersecurity Immersive Industry Education

Working professionals seeking to protect information systems and networks from cyber threats will gain essential skills through Cybersecurity Immersive Industry Education. This post-diploma certificate covers network security, cryptography, risk management and more in a rapidly evolving and exciting field.

Fall brings the first intake for the two-year program, which combines in-class and on-the-job learning (more than 50% of the education will occur at the student's workplace).

Learn what you can do with NAIT's three Cybersecurity certificate programs

Leadership in Healthcare

As a post-diploma certificate for graduates of a health-related field, Leadership in Healthcare is designed for those looking to advance their careers. Through online learning, participants will learn skills and best practices in personal leadership development, human resource management, finances and more.

Learn about admission requirements for Leadership in Healthcare and career outcomes