The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) officially broke ground on the Advanced Skills Centre (ASC), marking the start of construction on the largest capital project in the polytechnic’s history.

Designed to mirror real worksites, the 625,000-square-foot facility’s modern, flexible learning spaces will provide students with hands-on experiences and skills that prepare them for successful careers, ensuring they are job ready from day one. The facility will enable NAIT to train 5,500 additional students, increasing capacity to more than 15,000 skilled trades students each year. The ASC will bring 29 programs under one roof.

“The Advanced Skills Centre is more than a building. It represents our commitment to future learners, industry, and the province. Generations of students will learn new skills here, and their success will build Alberta for decades to come,” said Laura Jo Gunter, NAIT president and CEO.

Located on NAIT’s Main Campus, it will be the polytechnic’s largest capital project in its history, with a total cost of $779 million. The ASC is a shared investment between the Government of Alberta, which is funding 75 per cent of the project and NAIT, which is funding 25 per cent.

“Edmonton isn’t waiting for the future. We’re building it. The Advanced Skills Centre will equip the next generation with the skills they need, while continuing our city’s legacy as a leader in technology, innovation and world class education,” said Mayor Andrew Knack, City of Edmonton.

The ASC is being delivered by Dialog + GEC Architecture and PCL Construction as the construction manager. The project is expected to open in fall 2030.