NAIT opens doors to prospective students who want to ‘get a head start’

Thousands of high school students explored more than 90 booths at NAIT's open house on Saturday.

High school students preparing for life after graduation got the opportunity to visit more than 90 booths at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) open house on Saturday.

As teachers strike across the province, many senior students have worried about their university and college applications. NAIT recruitment manager Alexandra Dosser said they expected a turnout of around 9,000 guests throughout the event, which ran from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Skilled trades are in high demand right now,” she told CTV News Edmonton.

• Get the latest Edmonton updates right to your inbox

Dosser said all of the school’s programs were represented at the open house, meaning students interested in everything from business to technology to science were able to learn more about their options.

Grade 11 students Rilyn and Maya said they’re preparing for their future careers in unique fields like crane operating and water treatment.

“I like working with my hands, and I don’t really want to work in an office,” Maya said.

“I’m just trying to learn about everything they have to offer … just learning something for my future going forward,” Cole, another Grade 11 student, said. He’s interested in NAIT’s programs for woodworking, welding and mechanics.

“We really encourage students to come out and find out about post-secondary even before they’re in Grade 12,” Dosser said. “Most post-secondaries, including us, have applications open Oct. 1, so it’s really good to get a head start and know what you want.”

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Galen McDougall