Top stories of 2022

Highlights from the story of NAIT

Each year at techlifetoday, we produce dozens of stories that, in a variety of ways, tell the NAIT story. 

Sometimes, they're about what's happening at the polytechnic, and the evolution of hands-on education.  Other times, they feature experts who draw from their NAIT education or knowledge and experience as instructors or researchers to help  solve a problem. Or, our stories showcase the unique effects that alumni, staff or students have on the community.

In all cases, in one way or another, they shine a light on the impact of NAIT as a whole. 

Here, we've gathered the most popular of those stories from 2022.  It's an eclectic collection that reflects the diversity of subjects  upon which the polytechnic touches everyday. In case you missed them, or want to revisit them, here are the chapters of the story of NAIT that stood out for techlifetoday readers in 2022.

Top NAIT news stories 

Convocation 2022 in pictures

This May marked a milestone for NAIT: its first in-person convocation ceremony since the onset of the pandemic in spring 2020. Here's a look at a special event that signalled a return to tradition.

Changes to Alberta apprenticeship education

In June, the provincial government proclaimed the new Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act – the first update to trades training legislation in Alberta in 30 years. Here's what it means for NAIT and students.

JR Shaw School of Business teams up with Edmonton Elks

Elks president and CEO Victor Cui  signed on as   inaugural executive-in-residence at the JR Shaw School of Business. Here's what it means to have the sports-business veteran on the team.

Homebuilder seeks to boost trades education

female carpenter student at NAIT

To help address the looming skilled-trades labour shortage,  Jay Westman, chairman and CEO of Jayman BUILT, is spearheading a campaign to raise funds for student funding. Here's a look at the plan and the impact it could have.


Top how-to and service stories

Safer winter driving

The  first heavy snowfall of the season, which hit Edmonton in early November, saw a considerable  bump in traffic for this story on safe winter driving, hopefully preventing a few bumps in traffic on city roads. 

Will heat pumps work in Alberta?

Heat pumps are a far more energy-efficient cooling technology than conventional air conditioners. But can they do double duty in an Alberta winter and also efficiently heat a home? An HVAC expert weighs in on this hot topic.

How to coesist with coyotes

coyote sitting in a field

Coyotes made headlines in 2022 for encroaching on city parks, or was it that humans were encroaching on their land? This story looks at how to safely coexist with these resourceful creatures.

What to look for in a snowblower

Single-stage? Two-stage? Three?  Electric? Gas? Here's how to pick the right machine for our longest season in your corner of Alberta. 

How to trap wasps

Nothing ruins summer fun like these fierce little creatures. To ruin theirs, readers swarmed this story on how to build your own wasp trap.  Sadly,  it might be worth bookmarking for 2023.


Top profiles and issues-based stories

Boosting health care in small-town Alberta

When Amy Bespalko (Diagnostic Medical Sonography ’19) went looking for a job in 2021,  her career took a turn. Instead of accepting a position in a clinic, she landed an opportunity that would see her improve access to health care in her small hometown of St. Paul. 

A pioneering home retrofit

Alternative Energy Technology chair Dr. Jim Sandercock transformed his Edmonton home into a North American first by way of an extraordinary energy retrofit. Here's why he did it, what was involved and what it might mean to Canada's carbon-neutral goals.

Broncos survivor becomes mental health champ

Undoubtedly, all the survivors of the  Humboldt Broncos tragedy of 2018 emerged from the accident profoundly changed. For Tyler Smith (Radio and Television – TV '20), that involved becoming one of the province's most dedicated advocates for mental health. Here's the story of his journey toward healing.

NAIT staff help save antique carousel

The Edmonton Valley Zoo is the owner of one of the rarest antique carousels in the world. When they needed help to bring it back to life, NAIT staff stepped up with the skills to do the job. Here's a look behind the scenes at the multi-year project.

Restaurant revivals

Before the pandemic, Levi Biddlecombe (Culinary Arts ’11) and Neil Royale (Culinary Arts ’09)  were living their dreams of owning and operating their own restaurants. By the end of 2020, both had lost what they'd built. Then came a surprising second chance – in the form of a reinvention of the concept of the food court. 


From the team at techlifetoday, thanks for reading! We can't wait to share more of the NAIT story with you in 2023. Until then, we wish you all the best in the year to come.

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