NAIT celebrates first Trades to Degrees graduates

Published on January 16, 2017

Innovative pathway allows certified tradespeople to move into the third year of business degree program

NAIT is celebrating the first cohort to complete the pioneering Trades to Degrees pathway.

Launched in the fall of 2012 through NAIT’s JR Shaw School of Business, Trades to Degrees is one of the first pathways in North America to allow qualified tradespeople the opportunity to move directly from a trades certificate to the third year of a degree program. It was introduced in response to workforce demand for tradespeople with managerial, leadership and entrepreneurial skills.

Fourteen students from the inaugural cohort completed their Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in December, and will receive their parchments at Convocation 2017 in May. Their success was celebrated at a dinner Friday evening.

QUICK FACTS

  • The initial Trades to Degrees cohort, or group of students, was comprised mostly of NAIT instructors, who helped shape and define the pathway.
  • Students take courses online and in-person, working toward a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree.
  • A BBA provides in-depth business education and helps open doors into entrepreneurship, leadership and management opportunities. 
  • There are currently 32 Trades to Degrees students enrolled in the winter term.

QUOTES

Dr. Glenn Feltham, NAIT president and CEO 
“Trades to Degrees is a transformational program for trades people in our province and country. It provides meaningful pathways for those in the skilled trades to continue their post-secondary education. Their education in the skilled trades is fully recognized. They can earn a relevant degree – one that allows them to advance their career and meet the needs of industry – in only two years.”

Boni Ehmann, Trades to Degrees student, NAIT Parts Technician instructor 
“Enrolling in this pathway was an opportunity I could not resist. I’m a strong believer in lifelong learning and I enjoyed the challenge. Obtaining my Bachelor of Business Administration degree will help create new opportunities for me and open new doors. As NAIT instructor, I regularly urge students in the Parts Technician program to also consider this pathway in the future.”

LEARN MORE

Trades to Degrees

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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