Alberta invests $384M in NAIT’s advanced skills centre
Posted May 11, 2026 12:10 pm.
Last Updated May 11, 2026 12:11 pm.
The Alberta government has announced a $384 million investment over three years to expand Edmonton’s Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.
The funding is for NAIT’s $560-million Advanced Skills Centre, a site designed to give students more hands-on experience as they approach the job market. It’s scheduled to open in fall 2030.
The plan is for the skills centre to bring together 29 programs in job-site-inspired training spaces. It would also support an estimated 5,500 additional apprentices annually in high-demand fields like energy, manufacturing and construction.
“Skilled trades offer Albertans the chance to build a good life, create something lasting and help shape the future of this province,” said Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. “As Alberta grows, so does the demand for skilled workers. This investment will help train the next generation of trades professionals our economy needs to keep building and growing.”
“NAIT applauds the Government of Alberta for this historic investment in the skilled trades,” added Laura Jo Gunter, president and CEO of NAIT. “The Advanced Skill Centre will ensure more Albertans – 5,500 extra annually – get industry-leading training so they are job-ready to build the next generation of economic opportunities.”
The centre is expected to add 625,000 square feet to NAIT’s main campus. Early site work is scheduled to begin this spring, with construction beginning sometime next year.
