The Machinist Program was one of the first offered at NAIT. The first apprentices were enrolled in the 1963 / 64 academic year, and the first group completed its training in 1965. At the time there were only three instructors and one shop consisting of small lathes, drill presses and shapers.
The Program has grown dramatically over the years, mirroring the rapid expansion of industry in Alberta. We now have over 30 staff members and train approximately 500 apprentices a year. The range of programming has increased to include full-time Certificate programs and a wide range of upgrading courses offered through Continuing Education.
We are especially proud of the recent renovations and upgrades to our facility. NAIT’s Machinist program is now one of the largest in North America.
For more information about the machining trade in Alberta and about the Apprenticeship process in particular, go to the Alberta Learning Site: http://www.tradesecrets.org/
Apprentices of this program may find direct employment in:
Alberta Wage, Skills Shortage and Industry Information:
Machinist Apprenticeship Program Survey:
Blended Learning for the
Machinist Apprenticeship Program
What is this?
The Blended Learning for the Machinist Apprentice Program is a new approach to apprenticeship training at NAIT. This program is an alternative to the 8-week block release program which has traditionally been offered at NAIT. The Blended Learning Program offers the same training as block release, but provides the apprentice an opportunity to learn portions of the theory component while off campus.
All students participating in the Blended Learning Program will begin their instruction with a short period of time at NAIT in a face-to-face classroom setting. This will provide them with an opportunity to meet the instructors, see the facilities and obtain some crucial information which is required at the outset of the program. They will then return to their homes to continue their studies through a web-based delivery method for the next four weeks. Following this, the program will resume at NAIT for a two week period during which time students will be engaged primarily in practical instruction. At the end of this two week block, student will once again return home to continue with online studies for the next five weeks. To complete the program, a final two weeks of face-to-face instruction will take place at NAIT.
Presently, the Blended Learning Program is scheduled as a pilot project. There is an assumption that this form of program delivery offers benefits to students and will become an attractive alternative for some. As a result, it is anticipated that this program will continue in subsequent years. The program is being phased in over the next few years and will be made available to students in Periods 1 to 4.
Benefits of the Blended Learning for the Machinist Apprentice Program include:
· Less time spent away from work and family.
· Less money spent of accommodations, parking etc.
· The opportunity to set your own pace of learning when at home.
· Ability to be in contact with an instructor throughout the program.
· A variety of teaching and learning strategies available to the student.
Who can participate?
Any student who wishes to take part in this program will have the opportunity to do so as long as they can meet the apprenticeship entry and technological requirements for the course.
When is the program offered?
The initial offering for Period 1 apprentices is set for ?? of 2012. The Blended Learning for the Machinist Apprentice Program for students in Period 2 will be offered in September, 2012.
How long is this program?
The Blended Learning for the Machinist Apprentice Program is scheduled to take the apprentice 14 weeks to complete. Although the time at NAIT is structured, the web-based learning can be completed at the student’s convenience.
What is the fee for this program?
The Blended Learning for the Machinist Apprentice Program will have the same fee structure as the block release programs.
How do instructors support student learning?
Instructors will be available to support students during the time they are engaged in the web-based learning. The instructor will provide students with office hours when they can be reached. Email contact will be available if and when questions come up.
What kind of hardware and software are required? Where can it be obtained if desired?
Students participating in the BLMAP will be required to have, at their disposal, high speed internet, a computer which is operating software capable of ???? Window vs Mac?
Additional Information
How does an apprentice obtain the ILMs and other resources required for this delivery method of technical training?
Individual Learning Modules and most other resources, such as the recommended calculator, will be available at NAIT’s Bookstore.
What happens when the apprentice is unable to complete the theory portion prior to the practical portion?
What does the apprentice need to start the course?
The apprentice must register and be accepted. The apprentice must have the appropriate technology available for home study. When arriving at NAIT, the apprentice must have appropriate work boots, safety glasses and their Letter of Registration.
When and where does the apprentice complete final examinations?
All final examinations will be completed at the conclusion of the second, two-week block of time spent at NAIT. These exams will be written approximately 14 weeks after beginning the program.
What is the attendance policy for the apprentice during the e-Learning and face-to-face portions of their training?
The apprentice is expected to complete all web-based modules in the time frame provided. The information within them is crucial for success during the face-to-face component of the program. It is anticipated that the time allotted for web-based learning is sufficient for each student to successfully complete the work assigned. The expectation on the student will be for approximately 10 -12 hours of work per week during the distance component of the program.
What if the apprentice has technical difficulties when accessing their course?
Contact the ISD Help Desk at (780) 471-8624.
Hours of operation:
· Weekdays: 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
· Weekends: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Closed 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.)
What other resources and services does the apprentice have when completing a distance course at NAIT?
An apprentice registered in the Blended Learning Program has the same rights and privileges as the apprentice registered in an 8 week block release program, including access to NAIT’s Library and its recreational facilities.
How will the modules be assessed and when?
Each module will conclude with a compulsory assignment. Marks generated from these assignments will count toward the student’s final grade. Upon returning to NAIT for each face-to-face session, the student will be given an assessment covering the material which they were responsible for during the previous block of web-based learning. At the end of the program a cumulative assessment of all non-shop learning will also take place.
Is it possible to transfer to the 8 week block release if I want to?
Transfers to or from the 8 week block release, during the course of this program, will not be possible. Students may choose an alternate delivery model for another Period, or to redo the same Period, but should expect to do so from the beginning of an offering.
Contact Information
Terry Knutson
Project Manager
Blended Learning Program - Machinist
Phone # 780 491-3068
Email: terryk@nait.ca
Department of Academic and Teaching Development
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