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Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

11762 106 St, Edmonton, AB T5G 2R1, Canada

Public University

Alberta

Property Description

The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is a polytechnic[6] and applied sciences institute in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

NAIT offers approximately 120 credit programs leading to degrees, applied degrees, diplomas, and certificates. As of 2023, there are approximately 15,700 students enrolled in credit programs, 7,009 apprentices registered in apprenticeship training, 12,100 students enrolled in non-credit courses, and more than 20,000 registrants for customized corporate based training. NAIT also attracts international students from 84 countries.[5] NAIT is similar to an institute of technology or university of applied sciences as termed in other jurisdictions. The campus newspaper, the NAIT Nugget, is a member of the Canadian University Press (CUP).

Academic programs[edit]

The polytechnic confers certificates, diplomas, applied degrees and baccalaureate degrees. NAIT's four-year baccalaureate degrees (Bachelor of Technology in Technology Management and Bachelor of Technology in Construction Management[7] and Bachelor of Business Administration[8]) were launched in 2007.

NAIT is one of the largest apprenticeship trainers in Canada offering 31 registered trades programs.

History[edit]

In 1959, the Alberta provincial government decided to build an Edmonton facility to supplement apprenticeship and vocational training, which was at the time handled by the Provincial Institute of Technology (PITA) in Calgary. The new institution would be named the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) and PITA would be renamed the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). Construction of the new facility began in January 1962. The first class was enrolled in October, a group of 29 Communication Electrician apprentices. NAIT officially opened on May 27, 1963, with a ceremony led by Premier Ernest Manning. The first graduation ceremony happened in 1965, with a class of 326 graduates. In 1982, the government transferred control to the new Board of Governors, chaired by Allan McCagherty. NAIT has been a leading polytechnic for more than 60 years. The school marked its 50th anniversary in 2012.[1]

Campuses[edit]

The Hewlett-Packard Centre on NAIT's Main Campus.

The institute has four campuses[9] located in Edmonton and Spruce Grove:

  • Main campus at 11762 - 106 Street, Edmonton

  • Patricia campus at 12204 - 149 Street, Edmonton

  • Souch (pronounced “such”) campus at 7110 Gateway Boulevard, Edmonton

  • Spruce Grove campus at 281 Tamarack Drive, Spruce Grove

In February 2019, the Main campus acquired 13.27 hectares of the former Edmonton City Centre Airport with the option for another 3.23 hectares, as well as the 4.8 hectare Westwood Transit Garage to the north. This will enable the closure of the Patricia and Souch campuses, and the construction of a student residence building. The Spruce Grove campus will remain open since its crane and hoisting classes cannot be accommodated at the Main campus.[10]

Mascot[edit]

NAIT's mascot is the Ook. This is a shortened version of the Inuktitut word for the snowy owl, ookpik. NAIT was presented this mascot in 1964 by the federal Department of Northern Affairs and National Resources,[11] now Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. Most of NAIT's sports teams are now called the Ooks as well.

Athletics[edit]

The NAIT Ooks compete in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association as a member of the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference. Ooks team sports include badminton, basketball, curling, ice hockey, soccer, and volleyball. NAIT's official team colours are gold and royal blue.[12]

Students' association[edit]

The South Learning Centre on NAIT's Main Campus.

The NAIT Students' Association (NAITSA)[13] is composed entirely of current NAIT students. It is led by a four-person elected Executive Council, and governed by an eighteen-person elected Senate (two representatives from the 9 program groups). NAITSA is responsible for running the Nest Taphouse Grill, The NAIT Nugget (campus newspaper), campus events, the student health and dental plan, U-Pass and various other services aimed at enhancing student life.

Techlifetoday magazine[edit]

Techlifetoday is the polytechnic's official magazine, focusing on people, technology and innovation. It launched in 2007 as techlife, a print magazine. Techlifetoday has published exclusively online since November 2018[14] and has earned numerous industry awards.[15]

Organization and administration[edit]

NAIT is organized into four academic schools and one academic department:[16]

  • JR Shaw School of Business

  • School of Health and Life Sciences

  • School of Applied Sciences and Technology

  • School of Skilled Trades (which includes the Department of Culinary Arts and Professional Food Studies)

  • Department of Continuing Education

Notable alumni[edit]

Contact Agent

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

+1 780-471-8539

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Property Details

Property Type

Public University

Bedrooms

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Bathrooms

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Size

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Floors

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Year Built

1963

Property Location

11762 106 St, Edmonton, AB T5G 2R1, Canada

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