School of Skilled Trades Programs

Where do you want your trades career to take you?

The School of Skilled Trades offers training in over 40 program areas leading to journeyman certification, pre-employment certificates or diploma credentials. Our programs align with the knowledge and skills that business and industry look for in their employees, and there is a high demand for NAIT-trained graduates. Our instructors are certified and experienced in their trade and are exceptional teachers and mentors.

Explore our program offerings:

Apprenticeship programs

Diploma and Certificate programs 

A day in the life of a crane operator

Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator Cody Dodd takes us into the driver's seat of a mobile crane, giving us an insider's view of the trade. Watch the Video

Industry-recognized learning

Apprenticeship Pathways

Find the program options that fit your career path:

Learn how to apply

Auto Apprentice named Team Canada top prospect

Muhammad Afzal, a fourth-year apprentice, was named a Team Canada prospect in auto body repair. Afzal has the chance to represent the nation at the world’s largest skilled trades competition.

Find out more

Apprenticeship and Industry Training
Feltham Centre
Suite 430
11763 – 106 Street NW
Edmonton, AB T5G 2R1

Toll-free: 1.800.248.4823

General Inquiries
Email: Student Service Centre

Online live chat

Apprenticeship Training 

Apprenticeship is a method of gaining the expertise needed to become a skilled tradesperson. This is done through a combination of on-the-job and hands-on classroom/shop teaching, referred to as technical training. Typically, apprentices train for four years, spending four to twelve weeks a year at NAIT while the rest of the time is spent on the job training.

Note: In order to train as an apprentice, you must be hired by an employer willing to provide job-site training and be registered  as an apprentice through Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT).

See all apprenticeship programs

Boilermaker
NAIT welding apprenticeship student in lab

Diploma and Certificate Programs

With our diploma and certificate programs at NAIT, you have a direct pathway into trades training without having to find employment first. Unlike the apprenticeship pathway, you do not have to be employed and registered  as an apprentice through Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) to apply to these programs.

After completing the diploma or certificate programs, you will have skills and knowledge comparable to a journeyperson. You also have the option to write apprenticeship exams and complete apprenticeship hours to receive a journeyperson’s certificate.

See all diploma and certificate  programs

Pre-Employment Training 

If you would like to pursue a career in the trades but are not currently employed or seeking immediate employment, you may be able to start in pre-employment training. Students enrolled in pre-employment programs do not have to be employed or registered as an apprentice through the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT), but after completing the training they must become employed and registered as an apprentice to earn their journeyman certificate.

Pre-Employment Auto Body Repair

 
Credential: Certificate Delivery Options: Both On-Campus and Virtual Application Deadline: Sep 07, 2021

The Pre-employment Auto Body Repair program prepares you for an entry-level position in the auto body trade.

View Program School of Skilled Trades

Pre-Employment Automotive Service Technician

 
Credential: Certificate Delivery Options: Both On-Campus and Virtual Application Deadline: Aug 30, 2021

Pre-employment Automotive Service Technician is a short-term program that combines applied academic skills, employability skills and introductory trade/occupation competencies.

View Program School of Skilled Trades
Automotive Service Technician
Electrician

Trades to Degrees

A groundbreaking learning pathway, especially for trades’ professionals

Trades to Degrees is one of the first pathways in North America to allow recognized trade professionals the opportunity to progress from a trades credential to the third year of a degree program. Qualified trade professionals will be able to enter the third year of NAIT’s Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program, building on their previous education and professional experience to open doors into entrepreneurship, leadership and management opportunities.

Learning options are flexible and designed to fit individual learner needs. Courses are offered during the day, evenings, weekends and online.

Learn more about Trades to Degrees