First Truck Centre supports heavy equipment training

Published on May 02, 2016

First Truck Center supports NAIT's heavy equipment programs

First Truck Centre, a western Canadian network of heavy duty truck dealerships, has stepped forward to support NAIT’s heavy equipment programs. Of the donation, $225,000 is allocated to support the program with the remaining $25,000 will provide student scholarships.

“We feel that through these partnerships, Alberta will continue to be a place where everyone has the opportunity to work, to grow and to prosper,” says David Leeworthy, president of First Truck.

NAIT currently offers two streams of heavy equipment technician training through traditional apprenticeship and a two-year diploma program. Both programs prepare students to repair and maintain heavy equipment engaged in oilfield, construction, mining and transportation.

In fact, the heavy equipment technology programs recently expanded into a new 2,770-square metre building, allowing the polytechnic to increase enrolment by in these programs by up to 60 per cent.

Colin Ruthven, chair of the heavy equipment technician programs, projects that they will train approximately 1,373 apprentices—an increase from the 1,028 trained last year—in addition to 75 full-time diploma students, by the end of the 2015/16 academic year.

“First Truck coming on board is particularly important now that we have expanded into the new space,” says Malcolm Haines, dean of NAIT’s School of Trades. ” With increased student enrolment, the support of our industry partners ensures that we continue to be successful in the delivery of our programs.”

On Friday, April 22, 2016, NAIT celebrated the official opening of the building.

About Essential: The NAIT Campaign

Essential: The NAIT Campaign was launched in November 2014 to raise $100 million by 2018 to support student success, applied research and the construction of the Centre for Applied Technology, the largest capital project in NAIT’s 50-year-plus history. www.nait.ca/giving

About NAIT

The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is a leading Canadian polytechnic, delivering education in science, technology and the environment; business; health and trades. With nearly 60,000 credit and non-credit students and a 95 per cent employer satisfaction rate, NAIT grads are essential to Alberta’s prosperity. Known for hands-on, technology-based learning, NAIT engages with business and industry in applied research and innovation and provides corporate training around the world. Recognized as one of Alberta’s top employers, NAIT provides outstanding returns on investment for its graduates, partners, the provincial government and the people of Alberta.

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