Beyond the Classroom

Student Activities 

At NAIT’s School of Skilled Trades, you have opportunities to improve your skills and explore new possibilities by participating in clubs, competitions and showcase events, hands-on workshops, immersive learning and education beyond your trades training.

We are proud to offer our current and future students the opportunities to test their skills and discover a field they are passionate about.

A trades education at NAIT is more than just classroom instruction. Discover the opportunities beyond the classroom at the School of Skilled Trades.

Opportunities for future students

Are you interested in a career in the skilled trades but don’t know where to start? The School of Skilled Trades hosts opportunities for prospective students to try hands-on trades workshops and meet NAIT faculty, alumni, and industry partners to learn more about the possibilities in the skilled trades.

Next in Trades

Next in Trades is an event that connects students with NAIT graduates, staff and industry members who will share their experiences and journeys in the skilled trades.

Jill of All Trades

Jill of all Trades is a day-long event with the goal of introducing female and female identifying high school students to the prospect of a rewarding career in the skilled trades.

Department of Culinary Arts and Professional Food Studies

As a student in the Department of Culinary Arts and Professional Food Studies, you’ll get more than just a great hands-on education. There are opportunities to get involved with the school and the community, or even put your skills to work on international trips. Check out a few of the great opportunities to get involved.

NAIT Olympic Culinary Team

Culinary Team NAIT is a group of NAIT Culinary Arts students and instructors that competes at the regional, national and international levels.

Chef in Residence

This program brings culinary authorities from around the world to NAIT to share their insights and expertise with students and faculty.

Club Culinaire

Club Culinaire is a student-managed club responsible for coordinating student activities, charitable fundraisers and community-based events.

Ernest's

Ernest's Dining Room at NAIT has been aptly described as the "jewel in the crown" located in the Hokanson Centre for Culinary Arts in the Department of Culinary Arts and Professional Food Studies.

Retail Meat Store

Support NAIT students in the Professional Meat Cutting and Merchandising program and get a deal on freshly prepared and packaged meat, poultry, fish and cheese.

Provincial and National Skills Competition

If you have the drive to be the best at your trade in Alberta, Canada or even the world, the Skills Alberta and Canada competitions are the place to start. Students that would like to compete must receive a reference recommendation from their instructor and will start their journey to the top at a regional competition. Leading up to the Competition, organizers will post detailed event information.  

Learn more

What it took for a NAIT Baking grad to earn a spot at WorldSkills 2024

SkillsCanada champ Judy Lan prepares for competition in Lyon, France

Jun. 07, 2023 Posted on techlifetoday.nait.ca

Meet NAIT’s 3 competitors in the world’s top skills competition

WorldSkills 2022 puts top young tradespeople in the spotlight

Oct. 24, 2022 Posted on techlifetoday.nait.ca

In pictures: NAIT students put skills to test at Skills Canada-Alberta competition

Twenty-two learners compete in 11 categories

Jun. 16, 2021 Posted on techlifetoday.nait.ca

Auto apprentice headed to WorldSkills

Muhammad Afzal will represent Canada in Kazan, Russia

Jun. 03, 2019 Posted on techlifetoday.nait.ca

Build on your trade

At NAIT, students who have completed a journeyperson certificate can expand their skills into the business world through the Blue Seal or Trades to Degree programs.

Steamfitter

Blue Seal 

The Blue Seal program was established by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) to encourage and recognize business training. If you have a valid Alberta Journeyman, Occupational, Qualification or Proficiency Certificate, you can enhance your current certification with a Blue Seal by taking the Business Fundamentals certificate

Learn more about Blue Seal

Construction manager on site standing in front of heavy duty equipment

Trades to Degree

Trades to Degree is one of the first educational pathways in North America to allow recognized trades professionals the opportunity to progress from a trades credential to the third year of a degree program.

Qualified trade professionals who have 3 or more years of management work experience will be able to enter the third year of NAIT’s Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA - Management Concentration) program, building on their previous education and professional experience to open doors into entrepreneurship, leadership and management opportunities.

Learn more about Trades to Degrees

Join a club

Clubs are a great way to meet new people, flex your knowledge and add experience to your resumé.

NAITSA logo

NAITSA’s clubs exist solely to expand and enhance your post-secondary experience. Our clubs provide valuable social, cultural, and educational services that encourage you, as a NAIT student, to participate and connect in the NAIT experience.

Find out more

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