MTDCNC Visits NAIT as Arthur Field Continues Canadian Manufacturing Tour
By Arthur Field
As part of MTDCNC’s ongoing tour across Canada, Arthur Field visited the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) to learn more about how the country is developing the next generation of skilled manufacturing professionals.
The visit formed part of a wider journey across Canada, where Arthur is meeting manufacturers, technology providers, educators, and industry leaders to showcase the innovation and investment driving the sector forward.
At NAIT, the scale of that investment was immediately apparent.
The institute currently supports more than 740 students in training, including 280 machinist apprentices, 180 mechanical engineering technology students, and 280 industrial mechanics. These students have access to extensive facilities featuring CNC machining centres, turning centres, manual machine tools, metrology equipment, grinding technology, additive manufacturing systems, and dedicated engineering laboratories.
The equipment available includes 28 CNC mills, 28 CNC lathes, 48 manual lathes, 14 manual milling machines, multiple CMMs, cylindrical and surface grinders, a Renishaw metal additive manufacturing system, and several computer laboratories.
Beyond the technology, what impressed Arthur most was the commitment to practical skills development and the strong support provided by industry partners. Companies including Sandvik Coromant and Mitutoyo Canada continue to invest in the programme, helping ensure graduates enter industry with relevant, real-world experience.
The continued emphasis on manual machining was also noteworthy. While modern manufacturing increasingly relies on automation and CNC technology, manual machine tools remain an important part of the learning process, helping students understand machining fundamentals, cutting dynamics, material behaviour, and problem-solving techniques that form the foundation of advanced manufacturing skills.
The future looks equally promising. NAIT is currently planning a major expansion, with a new facility expected to be completed within the next four years, further strengthening its ability to support manufacturing and technical education.
For those concerned about the future availability of skilled tradespeople, NAIT provides a powerful reminder that significant work is already taking place to build the talent pipeline.
Canada isn’t waiting for skilled tradespeople to appear.
It’s actively investing in creating them.
MTDCNC would like to thank Stephen McMillan and Ronan Murray for their time and hospitality. Keep an eye on MTDCNC over the coming weeks as Arthur continues his Canadian tour, bringing more stories from the manufacturers, educators, and innovators helping shape the future of the industry.
