Next in Trades

Empowering diversity and inclusion in the trades 

NAIT recognizes that Aboriginal peoples, Black and racialized communities, newcomers, women, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities are underrepresented in the trades.

Next in Trades is a free event series that encourages and empowers people aged 16 and up from all backgrounds and abilities to explore careers in the skilled trades industry. As a leading skilled trades training and education provider, NAIT provides training and mentorship to prepare you to succeed in the trades.

Explore your potential and discover a career that works for you in the skilled trades.  

A day in the trades

At Next in Trades, you'll get the chance to meet with NAIT graduates, staff and industry members who will share their experiences and journeys in the skilled trades. 

Attend hands-on workshops taught by current NAIT instructors in a trade that interests you. You will be able to pick your top 4 career choices from the list below and be scheduled in one of those choices plus 3 other amazing trades to try during the day. Our workshops that will give you a glimpse into future careers include:  

Plumber

Plumbers install and service plumbing systems, fixtures, piping equipment and controls for transporting water, waste, gases or hot liquids. They can prepare detailed sketches for pipe and equipment fabrication and installation and install underground storm sanitary and water piping system.

Plumbers also do finishing work, such as installing sinks, tubs and toilets, or more specialized tasks like installing water conditioners or hydronic heating and chilled water systems.

In this workshop, you will use plumbing tools to make an item that you can take home. 

Electrician

Electricians install, alter, repair and maintain electrical systems designed to provide heat, light, power, control, signals or fire alarms for buildings and premises. They splice, join and connect wires to form circuits, and test those circuits for integrity and safety. 

Electricians also position and install distribution and control equipment such as switches, relays, circuit breaker panels and fuse enclosures, and install and maintain fibre optic systems or electrical generation sources. 

In this workshop, you will use electrical hand tools to make an item that you can take home. 

Instrumentation

Instrumentation and control technicians install, maintain, and repair the measuring and control devices used in industrial and commercial processes. They are skilled in using test equipment and hand tools, reading and interpreting technical schematics, and troubleshooting. They have strong attention to detail, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities. They are lifelong learners, adaptable to changes in technology and different industries including food processing, industrial and commercial manufacturing, utilities (water, wastewater, power, and natural gas), mining, and petrochemicals. 

In this workshop, you will use instrumentation components to make an item that you can take home. 

Millwork (Cabinetmaking)

Cabinetmakers use woodworking equipment to build and repair fixtures and furniture made of wood or wood substitutes. They cut, shape, mould and assemble wooden components and apply veneer, stain, polish or plastic laminates to finished surfaces. They custom-make products by gluing, clamping, dowelling, nailing and screwing pieces together.

In this workshop, you will use woodworking tools to make an item that you can take home. 

Carpenter

Carpenters construct, renovate and repair buildings and structures made of wood, wood substitutes, steel and other materials. They also install doors, windows, flooring, cabinets, stairs, handrails, paneling, moulding and ceiling tiles, and build concrete forms for commercial and industrial jobs, scaffolding, bridges, trestles, tunnels, shelters, towers and other structures. 

In this workshop, you will use woodworking tools to make an item that you can take home. 

Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)

Industrial mechanics (millwrights) install, maintain, repair and troubleshoot stationary industrial machinery and mechanical equipment in sites such as factories, production plants and recreational facilities. They also know how to fit bearings, align gears and shafts, attach motors, and connect couplings and belts to precise tolerances. Industrial mechanics read diagrams and schematic drawings, operate rigging equipment and dollies to place heavy machinery and parts, and align and test equipment.   

Machinist/Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Technician

Machinists incorporate manual machining knowledge with CNC machining techniques. They set up and operate precision metal cutting and grinding machines, such as lathes, milling machines, drills and grinders. They also make and repair products made from metal, plastic, rubber textile, fibreglass and alloys.

In this workshop, you will use manual and automated tools to make an item that you can take home. 

Insulator

Insulators apply non-conductive materials to prevent and reduce the passage of heat, cold and sound on industrial, plumbing, heating and air conditioning equipment. They work at heights and complete precise tasks. Insulators also repair different types of thermal and acoustical insulation, including calcium silicate, glass foam, mineral wool, Styrofoam or fibreglass.

In this workshop, you will use insulator tools to make an item that you can take home. 

Glazier

Glaziers cut and install glass and aluminum systems for commercial, residential and automotive applications. The work is most rewarding for those who enjoy variety, developing special skills and seeing the results of their work. Glaziers work in a variety of environments. Some work outdoors at construction sites, sometimes on scaffolds and swing-stages (platforms suspended from the top of high-rise buildings and other elevated surfaces). Others work in factories installing glass in wooden or metal frames, or in shops replacing glass in vehicles or furniture.

In this workshop, you will use glazier tools to make an item that you can take home. 

Culinary Arts/Baking and Pastry Arts/Professional Meat cutting and Merchandise

Culinary Arts: People who work in this industry enjoy creative challenges and working in a fast-paced environment. Cooks often work under pressure in time-sensitive situations and can work in a variety of places, such as restaurants, hotels, catering, hospitals, schools, and more. Professionals in this field love making and creating food expressed through a keen sense of taste and smell. In addition to preparing food, an individual should be able to work as part of a team. 

Baking and Pastry Arts:  bakers and pastry chefs can work in bakeries, pastry shops, restaurants, hotels, hospitals, catering facilities and more. This profession can include a variety of shifts such as days, nights, early mornings, weekends, and holidays. You must have a good sense of taste and smell, enjoy making food and working with your hands, and be able to work as a team. The Baking and Pastry Arts diploma program focuses on the art and science of bread, cake and pastry making, including, cake design and decorating, confectionery training (chocolate and sugar), artisan-style baking, and showpiece making. 

Meat cutting & Merchandising: Meat cutters work with beef, bison, pork, lamb, seafood, and poultry and learn how to produce cured, smoked, and processed meat and sausage. You’ll also learn about merchandising and purchasing meat products. People in Professional Meat Cutting and Merchandising industry work in meat processing plants, retail businesses such as supermarkets, speciality sausage shops, delicatessens, and independent meat markets.  

Heavy Equipment Technician

Heavy Equipment Technicians  maintain, repair and overhaul heavy vehicles and industrial equipment, both towed and self-propelled. They are employed by specialized repair shops and organizations that own or lease heavy equipment used in the construction, mining, forestry, material handling, landscaping, land clearing, agriculture and transportation industries. 

In this workshop, you will work on a circuit project. 

Automotive Service Technician

Automotive service technicians work on cars, trucks, and other vehicles performing repairs, conducting preventative maintenance, and diagnosing faulty systems. They’re comfortable working with their hands and are interested in the changing technology of the automotive industry. 

Automotive service technicians diagnose problems, repair engines, use computer management systems, and adjust vehicles to operate for peak performance. They specialize in repairing, rebuilding and servicing specific parts, like transmissions, engines or electrical components. 

In this workshop, you will learn how to do a tire change on a shop vehicle.  

Autobody Technician

The Auto Body trade is an enjoyable career path for individuals who are creative, technical and hands-on. Auto Body Technicians repair and restore damaged motor vehicle structures and finishes. 

The Auto Body trade in Alberta is split into four segments. Prepper, Refinisher, Repairer, and Technician. 

  • Preppers are involved in the entire repair process but specialize in the restoration of vehicle surfaces and corrosion protection. Auto Body Preppers will identify substrates, prepare surfaces, mix and apply undercoats, apply or install corrosion protection. They will also remove and install bolts on exterior and interior components. 

  • Refinishers will perform the duties of the prepper as well as restore the vehicles finish and perform damage appraisals. The refinisher specific tasks will be accurate colour matching, applying refinish products and removing defects in painted surfaces. 

  • Repairers will perform the duties of the prepper as well as perform damage appraisals and structural repairs. The repairer specific tasks will be structural repairs, body sheet metal work, plastic repairs, component replacement and alignment, restraint system repairs, and repair verification. 

  • Technicians will perform the duties of the preppers, refinishers and repairers although they may specialize in damage appraisal, frame straightening, surface preparation, sheet metal work, or refinishing. 

In this workshop you will work on a small car assembly.  


Why a career in the skilled trades?  

Skilled trades will continue to be in high demand as there will be more than 256,000 new apprentices needed over the next 5 years in Canada.* This provides endless opportunities for a rewarding and meaningful career that is essential to communities across Canada. 

A career in the skilled trades can provide financial security and independence, benefits, and the opportunity to work in many important industries such as construction, manufacturing, transportation, oil and gas, and renewable energy.  

At NAIT, we offer several pathways into a skilled trades career including: 

*Source: Government of Canada

Learn more about our programs

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at NAIT 

NAIT is committed to fostering a learning environment where all people feel safe, valued and included.   At NAIT, you are part of a community that makes a difference in the lives of students, staff and industry clients and partners. The NAIT culture reflects our shared values of respect, collaboration, celebration, creativity, and accountability. We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and are a proud partner of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion and Pride at Work Canada. 

Learn more about NAIT’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

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