Source: NAIT news release.
(Edmonton) – NAIT has officially broken ground on the Advanced Skills Centre (ASC), marking the start of construction on the largest capital project in the polytechnic's history. The 625,000-square-foot facility will transform skilled trades and technology education, creating new opportunities for thousands of future students while supporting Alberta's growing demand for skilled workers.
“Today is an extraordinary day for NAIT, and the beginning of a new chapter,” said Laura Jo Gunter, President & CEO. “The Advanced Skills Centre is more than a building. It represents our commitment to future learners, industry, and the province. Generations of students will learn new skills here, and their success will build Alberta for decades to come.”
A new era for skilled trades education
With construction officially underway, the ASC will bring 29 programs under one roof, transforming trades and technology training across:
- construction
- transportation
- manufacturing
- energy
Designed to mirror real worksites, the facility's modern, flexible learning spaces will provide students with hands-on experiences and skills that prepare them for successful careers, ensuring they are job ready from day one. The facility will enable NAIT to train 5,500 additional students, increasing capacity to more than 15,000 skilled trades students each year.
“This is an important milestone for our institution, our partners and the future of Alberta,” said Melanie Bayley, Board Chair, NAIT. “The Advanced Skills Centre will build on NAIT's legacy of providing high-quality skilled trades training and strengthen our ability to support innovation, industry and student success.”
The ASC will give students the opportunity to build not only technical expertise, but also enhance collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills that are essential in today’s workforce.
“As a NAIT graduate, I know the impact a learning environment can have on a student’s future,” said Nathalie Durant, NAIT Aluma (Plumber and Gasfitter ‘17). “The Advanced Skills Centre will give students and apprentices the space, technology, and hands-on training they need to build confidence and prepare for successful careers. This is an investment in the next generation of skilled trades professionals.”
Making history
Located on NAIT’s Main Campus, it will be the polytechnic’s largest capital project in its history, with a total cost of $779 million. The ASC is a shared investment between the Government of Alberta, which is funding 75 per cent of the project and NAIT, which is funding 25 per cent.
“Today’s groundbreaking marks an important milestone for NAIT, Alberta’s skilled trades, and our province’s future,” said Myles McDougall, Minister of Advanced Education. “Through our historic $384 million investment in the Advanced Skills Centre, Alberta’s government is expanding training opportunities for thousands of apprentices each year and helping build the skilled workforce our province needs to strengthen communities and drive economic growth.”
Recognizing NAIT's readiness to proceed and the strategic importance of expanding skilled trades and technology training capacity in the region, the capital funding was announced by the Government of Alberta a full year ahead of schedule.
NAIT is funding its portion of the project through internal resource allocation and support from donors and industry partners.
“Edmonton isn't waiting for the future. We're building it,” said Mayor Andrew Knack. “The Advanced Skills Centre will equip the next generation with the skills they need, while continuing our city's legacy as a leader in technology, innovation and world class education.”
The ASC is being delivered with the support of Dialog + GEC, Architect, the project’s architect, and PCL Construction as the construction manager.
The ASC is scheduled to welcome the first cohort of students in fall 2030.
Advanced Skills Center Page: https://www.nait.ca/discover/advanced-skills-centre
