Diploma in Forest Technology

at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) Canada

The Geomatics Engineering Technology program provides training in the collection, analysis, storage, distribution and application of spatial and three-dimensional data used in land development. The economic growth of any country involves the development of natural resources, construction of large public works projects and the expansion of urban centres. This growth requires trained personnel to:

• Locate and map physical features on the land
• Determine property boundaries for property titles
• Perform surveys to locate and build transportation systems

Lay out large industrial complexes such as refineries, dam sites, power, pipelines, and surface and underground mining operations
The Geomatics Engineering Technology program emphasizes the use of new technologies for data collection, including electronic equipment for measuring, earth circling satellites for positioning and computers for processing data and generating plans for use in a wide variety of professional disciplines.

In this comprehensive diploma program, students study thermodynamics, electricity and electronics, and refrigeration and air conditioning. Students also gain skills in mechanical drafting, blueprint reading, technical mathematics and physics. Industrial development continues to result in the expansion of work responsibilities for Power Engineers. Provincial Legislation requires the certification of employees before they assume responsibilities in heating and power plants. There are five certificate levels: 5th Class, 4th Class, 3rd Class, 2nd Class and 1st Class.

NAIT's Power Engineering Technology Diploma (two year) program will be delivering curriculum to prepare the student to write the 4th Class, 3rd Class and three of the six papers for 2nd Class ABSA Administered Provincial Examinations. ABSA Regulations dictate a 100% Attendance Policy that is in place.

The Power Engineering Technology (2 Year Diploma) program prepares students for progression through the 4th Class, 3rd Class and 2nd Class - Part A ABSA levels by providing both theoretical and practical training. The intent of the program is to prepare graduates to make both safety and efficiency a priority on the job. Students must pass all courses and attend a minimum of 80% of the theory classes, 100% of the labs and 100% of the plant practicum to successfully complete the program.

The work responsibilities of Power Engineers increases in complexity according to the level of ABSA Certification. Typically, the work includes:

assisting in the operation and maintenance of boilers, pumps, compressors, fans, turbines, refrigeration units, heating systems and other related equipment
working as a shift engineer coordinating the operational and maintenance activities of assistant engineers engaged in the constant control and surveillance of power plant equipment

Interior Design Technologists translate designs concepts into technical drawings that ultimately result in the creation of the built environment.

In this program, you will learn the relationships between functional, technical and aesthetic elements in interior environments. You will be trained in products and materials, construction methods, building services and more. Most drawings will be completed on the computer but you will also learn free-hand sketching techniques to create construction drawings, floor plans and more.

If you have an interest in drawing, an aptitude for three dimensional thinking or a strong desire to learn how things are constructed this is the program for you.

NAIT's Radio and Television programs are 2 distinct, yet interrelated full-time diploma programs. Each of these dynamic 2-year programs takes a non-traditional approach to teaching that will provide you with learning opportunities through hands-on experiences.

Undertake the typical job functions found in radio and television stations by acting as the staff for NAIT's campus radio station (NR92) and television newsroom (NAIT NewsWatch). Using industry standard digital equipment and labs, and while working in modern studios, you'll hone written, technical, communicative and production competencies.

Our instructors are highly-qualified professionals with years of industry experience and our program is well-recognized across the country. If you flip on your TV or radio at any given time, you're likely to see or hear NAIT alumni working across North America.

What You Will Learn
Hands-on, industry-relevant skills
In this program, you can expect to receive quality instruction from broadcasting professionals and experience hands-on training in the following areas:

• News/sports writing and reporting
• On-air performance
• Interviewing techniques
• Copywriting
• Commercial production
• Videography
• Social media
• Studio production
• Online content creation

All students in the Biological Sciences Technology program take a common first semester before entering into their specialization - Lab and Research, Renewable Resources or Environmental Sciences. The common first semester provides students with strong fundamentals in Biological Sciences while semesters two, three, and four build on these fundamentals with additional specialization-specific education and training. 

Graduates of Biological Sciences Laboratory and Research program are highly skilled, hands-on technologists with the ability to use and apply current technologies and research methods in animal physiology, molecular biology, cell culture, immunology, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, and microbiology. Graduates are valued for their professionalism, effective communication, lab competency, and work safely and efficiently in a team environment. They are aware of the changing industry, and are committed to lifelong learning.

The Advanced Plumbing Technology diploma is a unique opportunity to get the technical and career essential skills you need to succeed in the plumbing industry. The diploma program offers a direct pathway into trades training at NAIT without having to first be a registered apprentice and can also serve as a pathway to apprenticeship.

The program focuses on theory and hands-on training required to master installation, repair, perform mechanical system maintenance and more. You will learn specific technical knowledge and get hands-on skills and experience. You will also get to explore new technologies and systems such as water recycling and re-use, solar and geothermal heating systems and water conservation.

Industry-approved training
A career in plumbing calls for an understanding of both technical knowledge and career essential skills. Learning outcomes for this program include:

• Industry standards, legislation and workplace expectations
• Design, installation and maintenance of all relevant systems, including:
  • Gas systems
  • Hydronic heating systems and gas appliances
  • Potable and non-potable water systems
  • Service drainage, waste and vent (DWV) systems
• Design, interpretation and conversion of drawings for plumbing installations
• Mathematical concepts for plumbing installations, and
• Effective written and verbal communication tools

The program content and structure aligns with Alberta Credential Framework expectations. After completing the program, you will have the technical training comparable to a journeyperson plumber.
After completing the program, you will be eligible to enter into an apprenticeship and complete apprenticeship hours to receive a journeyperson’s certificate.

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) student with an emphasis in Finance, you learn about investment trading, mergers, valuation and acquisitions. You'll also develop a well-rounded basis of critical thinking. The BBA with Finance emphasis takes concepts beyond banking and money management to practice quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques, logic, and deductive reasoning vital to business decisions. Finance emphasis students in the BBA degree are shown how to make effective financial decisions in areas including law, economics and international finance. All finance-related courses have prerequisites, so it is important to carefully plan the order of studies.

The Electrical Installations Technology diploma is your pathway to apprenticeship, and a unique opportunity to get the technical and career essential skills you need to succeed in the electrical industry.

The program focuses on theory and hands-on training required for the installation, repair and maintenance of electrical systems in residential, commercial and industrial environments. This program also teaches career essential skills such as communication, professionalism and collaboration, which will help you pursue a career in the Electrical Installations Technology field.

The Electrical Installations Technology diploma offers a direct pathway into trades training at NAIT without having to first be a registered apprentice.

Industry-approved training
A career in the electrical industry calls for an understanding of both technical knowledge and career essential skills. Learning outcomes for this program include:

• Understanding of industry standards, legislation, policies and practices
• Ability to:
  • Identify safety hazards
  • Explain, discuss and apply electrical theory and mathematics
  • Install, analyze and maintain rotating, static and solid-state electrical equipment and controls
  • Design, interpret and convert drawings and schematic diagrams for electrical installations
  • Communicate effectively using written, verbal and graphical means
  • Navigate, interpret and apply applicable sections of the Canadian Electrical Code Part 1 for electrical installations

The program content and structure aligns with Alberta Credential Framework expectations. This 2-year diploma program provides you with immediate opportunities for employment in the field of electrical installation. After completing the program, you will be eligible to enter into an apprenticeship and complete apprenticeship hours to receive a journeyperson’s certificate.

A comprehensive study of electrical principles and practices, this nationally accredited program deals with the operation of electrical and electronic equipment, specialized testing equipment and computer software. NAIT's Electrical Engineering Technology is a nationally accredited and internationally recognized program that provides a comprehensive study of electrical principles and practices. The program will provide graduates with the skills to perform entry-level roles in several industry disciplines, including power systems operation and protection, maintenance and commissioning, electrical machines, industrial and commercial design, power electronics, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).

Technologists will also learn critical skills and experience in:

• The structure, operation, protection and control of electrical power generation, transmission and distribution systems and electrical motors
• The planning, design and specification of power, lighting, control and communication systems in buildings and industrial plants
• Control of plant systems and motors through the use and application of PLCs and variable-frequency drives (VFDs) and the application of communications technology linking these various plant systems
• Researching, writing and presenting technical reports

An electrical engineering technologist should possess an aptitude toward math and physics applications. In addition to electrical and technical abilities, the technologist relies upon good written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work within a team environment in a dynamic workplace.

To be successful, electrical engineering technologists need:

• Analytical skills
• Experience using recent technology
• Oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work in teams
• Basic electrical design
• Basic maintenance knowledge

Upon completion of the program, Electrical Engineering Technology graduates will have the ability to:

• Communicate and conduct themselves professionally in a workplace environment
• Identify safety hazards and implement safe work practices
• Create and interpret engineering design packages
• Analyze and troubleshoot electrical circuits and systems
• Perform entry-level field service activities
• Configure and test protection, control and communication devices and systems.

Environmental Monitoring & Assessment students investigate the impact of human activities on air, water, soil and vegetation, and gain a solid foundation in environmental sampling, assessment and laboratory skills. Students learn how to monitor and assess environmental quality, apply principles of quality assurance/quality control, manage waste, and reclaim and remediate land. Graduates may conduct environmental site assessments, collect samples from surface and ground water, air, soil and waste, or analyze samples for pollutants in an environmental lab. They work with industry, consultants or government on land and water remediation and reclamation, and investigate environmental issues for various research groups.

Hands-on, industry-relevant skills
During the first semester, you'll acquire skills and knowledge in the general sciences of biology and chemistry, communications, ethics, botany, zoology, genetics, and lab techniques and calculations.

You'll then be trained in the following areas
Field Skills:

• Perform field analysis of soil, vegetation and water quality
• Monitor air pollutants
• Collect environmental samples from air, water, soil, plants and waste for further lab analysis
• Conduct environmental site assessments – ESA (Phase I - III)
• Maintain and calibrate field equipment for environmental sampling

Additional Skills:

• Design and manage group-based projects
• Measure effects of pollutants on the environment by studying toxicology
• Use current solid and hazardous waste treatment technologies and monitoring systems
• Use legislation and standards related to environmental issues
• Employ pollution prevention and pollution control technologies
• Use quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) principles to obtain accurate data
• Generate and keep detailed log books
• Compile and manage data using MS Office
• Write reports, perform literature reviews, and prepare and give presentations