November 28, 2012

NAIT launches Trades to Degrees program

In an effort to respond to workforce demand for tradespeople with managerial skills, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) has launched an initiative to allow certified tradespeople to move directly from a trades certificate to the third year of a degree program.

“Trades to Degrees will be transformative,” said Glenn Feltham, NAIT president and chief executive officer.

“By providing a direct pathway from trades certification to a degree, we’re acknowledging the work experience and post-secondary education that led to certification.”

Trades to Degrees was introduced in the 2012 fall semester through NAIT’s JR Shaw School of Business, with an inaugural cohort of 22 students comprised mostly of NAIT instructors, who are helping to shape and define the pathway.

Under Trades to Degrees, certified tradespeople can be admitted directly into the third year of the Bachelor of Business Administration program.

The pathway will be expanded to other degree programs offered at NAIT.

New applications will be accepted for the fall of 2013.

According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, Alberta experienced a 3.6 per cent vacancy in private sector jobs in the third quarter, translating into 54,900 unfilled positions.

News from © Canadian Press Enterprises Inc., 2012

Print | Comment