High school students given glimpse of day-to-day in Alberta’s energy sector

High school students participate in a lab during Energy and Natural Resources Week at NAIT on May 5, 2026. (Darcy Seaton / CTV News Edmonton)

Hundreds of high school students will visit the Northern Albertan Institute of Technology (NAIT) campus over the next three days for a sneak peek at what it’s like to work in the energy and natural resources industries.

The school is hosting three days of events that give potential future workers hands-on experience.

Tuesday morning, students were analyzing samples of materials found in oil, a real task in the field, said Agatha Ojimelukwe, dean of the School of Energy and Natural Resources.

“I really want them to see the opportunities for the energy and natural resource sector and begin to see themselves in it – and maybe make a decision to get into that sector,” Ojimelukwe said.

In another lab, students will learn about power equipment and participate in a well drilling simulation.

“And maybe they (become) a student here because NAIT is a great place to learn,” Ojimelukwe told CTV News Edmonton.

About 400 students are expected to participate throughout the three days.

The event is free for them to attend.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Darcy Seaton