January 16, 2017 – The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is celebrating the first cohort to complete the 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.

Additionally, there are now currently 32 Trades to Degrees students enrolled in the winter term.

“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,” said Glenn Feltham, NAIT president and CEO. “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.”