Suncor

For nearly four decades, Suncor has been one of NAIT’s most engaged and influential industry partners. What began with their first gift in 1988 has grown into a relationship that strengthens Alberta’s workforce, advances applied research, and expands access to hands‑on technical education. Today, Suncor stands among NAIT’s most enduring collaborators, shaping student experience and industry‑aligned training across campus.  

A partner shaping hands‑on learning and Alberta’s workforce 

Suncor’s impact at NAIT is visible through generous capital investments that resulted in expanded training capacity in mechanical and piping trades and helped thousands of apprentices develop job‑ready skills. Their employees contribute directly to NAIT’s teaching and learning environment by serving on Program Advisory Committees, sharing technical insights, and meeting with students during campus visits and demonstrations. With more than 500 Suncor employees identifying as NAIT alumni, the company remains one of the polytechnic’s strongest workforce partners.  

Advancing communities, applied research, and Indigenous‑led solutions 

Suncor also plays a key role in advancing NAIT’s community‑driven applied research. They’ve supported Indigenous‑led environmental monitoring and data sovereignty initiatives that empower communities to collect, interpret, and govern their own environmental data. These efforts represent some of NAIT’s most meaningful examples of research conducted in partnership with, rather than for, local communities.  

Suncor’s long‑term support for students has also reduced financial barriers and opened pathways into energy‑sector careers. Through awards and student‑focused initiatives, many learners have gained the stability needed to stay in their programs and move confidently into industry roles. 

Through decades of collaboration, mentorship, and forward‑looking partnership, Suncor has helped NAIT grow its capacity, deepen its programs, and broaden its impact across Alberta. Their commitment reflects the essence of the Distinguished Industry Partner Award: sustained support that strengthens education, industry, and the communities they serve. 

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Distinguished Industry Partner Award

The Distinguished Industry Partner Award is presented to an organization that has shown an ongoing commitment to NAIT and has played a critical role in supporting NAIT’s vision and mandate.

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