Powering up education: Air Products energizes Power Engineering Technology students with gift

Published on September 29, 2025

Power Engineering Technology students receive energizing boosts to their education thanks to a new $125,000 gift from Air Products. This donation funds capital and supplies for the program for the next 5 years, building on Air Products’ support of NAIT. 

“We’re pleased to continue our sponsorship relationship with NAIT and its Power Engineering Technology Program,” says Rachel Smith, Air Products’ vice president and general manager, Canada. “NAIT is a strategic community partner here in the Edmonton region, where Air Products is a major industrial gas producer. Through collaborating with NAIT, Air Products works with NAIT to engage directly with students and faculty in fields of study that tie directly to employment opportunities in our company and industry.”

Since 2020, Air Products has supported the Power Engineering maintenance lab – a space that provides students with the tools, equipment, and knowledge to thrive in their field. Knowing the value that skilled graduates bring to industry, Air Products’ employees are also active members of the Program Advisory Committee, which provides input and guidance on the Power Engineering Technology curriculum and maintains the program’s connection to industry. 

The breadth of Air Product’s engagement is also seen by their participation in program industry nights – events where first-year students can get their career-related questions answered by experts in the field. They also open their doors to students during an annual tour of their Strathcona facility and employ many of them during their practicums.

“NAIT appreciates the renewal of Air Product’s gift and their support in ensuring that our curriculum is relevant to local industry,” says Agatha Ojimelukwe, dean, School of Energy and Natural Resources. “This collaboration helps NAIT to train power engineers with the marketable skills and proper certification sought by employers and encourages our graduates to apply for positions with the company.”