NAIT officially breaks ground on the Advanced Skills Centre

On Sept. 8, 2026, history was made at Main Campus. NAIT-blue shovels – handled by leaders at the polytechnic, members of government, industry partners, alumni and others – broke ground at the site of the polytechnic’s largest project in history: the Advanced Skills Centre (ASC).

The 625,000-square-foot facility is designed to transform skilled trades and technologies education. Apprentices and students from 29 programs will learn alongside one another in flexible learning spaces that mimic the demands of the modern worksite.

And it will enable NAIT to introduce an additional 5,500 graduates into the provincial workforce each year.

Construction on the $779-million project got its start thanks to an investment of $384 million – the biggest in NAIT’s history – by the Government of Alberta. Designed by Dialog and GEC Architecture, it will be built by PCL. The first students are expected to walk through the doors for classes in fall 2030.

Until then, here’s a look at the progress of the ASC and the needs it will meet, as told by those who addressed the crowd of more than 300 that gathered nearby the construction site to mark a memorable day for NAIT.

Built on a legacy

Daryl Silzer
Vice-president External Relations and Chief Development Officer, NAIT

“We're building upon the work, knowledge, experience and accomplishments of those who came before us: the leaders who helped shape NAIT and our greater community; the instructors who have trained generations of skilled workers; the industry partners who challenge us to think boldly about the future; government leaders, donors, volunteers and community champions who believe in what the institution and the skilled-trades community can do for our city, our province and our country.

“The progress we celebrate today is possible because of their contributions.”

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A path paved for youth

Lonny Potts
Cultural Adviser, NAIT Nîsôhkamâtotân Centre

“I'd like you to join with me in praying, because together we can open up a lot of opportunity and pave a way for the young people. This protocol is meant to recognize the past, and all the people that helped get to this point. And we also look to the future to clear the path.”

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Where talent is built

Melanie Bayley
Chair, NAIT Board of Governors

“Since stepping into this role [in April], I've had many conversations with colleagues from across Alberta's industries. No matter the sector, one recurring theme comes up almost without fail: the need for skilled people who can adapt, collaborate and solve problems in real time.

“Those conversations have given me a deeper appreciation for … how essential this institution is for the future of this province.

“I often hear leaders say we don't just need more talent, we need the right talent. And, every time, I'm reminded that NAIT is one of those places where that kind of talent is built.”

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Part of the economy

His Worship Andrew Knack
Mayor, City of Edmonton

“When we talk about building a city, we usually think of … our roads and our bridges, our public transit, our utilities. Those are important, but building a city also requires human infrastructure – including the skills and talents of our residents. Today, NAIT is making a massive investment in that human infrastructure.

“NAIT isn't just a school. It's part of Edmonton's economy.

“When you look at the people building our homes, fixing our vehicles, powering our industries, chances are they learned how to do it at NAIT. But as Edmonton grows, we need more of these skilled people. … This project ensures that when a business wants to expand in Edmonton or a major project gets approved, we have the local talent ready to get the job done.”

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An answer to the call

The Honourable Myles McDougall
Minister of Advanced Education and MLA for Calgary-Fish Creek

“Our government is investing $384 million over three years to help make the Advanced Skills Centre a reality. This is the largest investment in trades training infrastructure in Alberta's history.

“Skilled-trades workers are essential to our province and its future success. … And as our province's population and economy continue to grow, Alberta will need even more skilled workers to meet demand and build our future. This centre will help answer the call.

“This project is also a tremendous vote of confidence in NAIT. For generations, NAIT has prepared Albertans for the jobs our economy needs. It has built strong partnerships with industry and delivered practical, hands-on solutions and training that lead to real opportunities. The Advanced Skills Centre will build on that legacy.

“We believe in the skilled trades. We believe in NAIT.”

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A place to succeed

Nathalie Durant (Plumber ’17)
Project manager, Goldbar Contractors

“It's exciting to see NAIT continue to grow and create new opportunities for students pursuing careers in the skilled trades.

“One of the things I value most about NAIT is how well it prepares students for the real world. The learning is practical, hands-on and closely connected to industry. You don't just leave with a credential – you leave with the skills, confidence and problem-solving ability needed to build a successful career.

“As I think about the Advanced Skills Center, I think about the students and apprentices who will learn here in the years ahead. When they walk through the doors, they'll find a place built for their success where they can learn, grow and gain confidence.”

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A full-circle moment

Mike Wieninger
Chief Operating Officer, Canadian Operations, PCL

“A facility of this size and complexity takes a great team. It takes designers, engineers, suppliers, government support, project partners, the very supportive NAIT team and, most importantly, tradespeople to make this thing happen. And we're proud to be part of that team.

“For PCL and NAIT, we've had a strong relationship for more than 40 years. … Thousands of NAIT-trained professionals have worked on PCL project sites, not only in Edmonton, but across the province and right across our great nation. We look forward to contributing our experience to help turn this vision into reality.

“There's a real full-circle element of this project. Today's skilled tradespeople are building this space where the next generation will learn their craft – something our entire project team can take great pride in.”

The realization of a vision

Laura Jo Gunter
President and CEO, NAIT

“Today is an extraordinary day for NAIT. We are celebrating the realization of a vision shaped by years of listening, collaborating and a deep understanding of what Alberta needs from our polytechnic.

“The impact of the ASC is significant. It will be felt by learners who discover their potential here, graduates who will enter the workforce with confidence, employers who will find the skilled talent they need, and industries that grow stronger because of the skills developed within these walls.

“To our incredible students and staff, industry and government partners, donors, volunteers and community champions, thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in NAIT. We stand at the beginning of a bright and bold future. Together we are breaking ground on the next chapter of NAIT's impact.”