The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) has announced a significant restructuring of its academic structure, moving from four to seven schools, to more closely align with industry experiences and enhance student opportunities. This change, as indicated in a recent press release, marks "one of (the school’s) most significant transformation in nearly a decade, marking a strategic reorganization aimed at enhancing the student experience and strengthening industry connections." The new seven-school structure aims to reconnect NAIT programs with the industries they serve, ensuring graduates are equipped to meet evolving workforce demands. "We have great programs," said Peter Leclaire, NAIT’s vice president academic. "But over the years the connection between those programs and industry was loosening. We lost some of the synergies between our apprenticeship programs and diploma programs. "By mimicking the collaboration and engagement that happens on a worksite, we get a better outcome overall," added Leclaire. The press release further outlined how "grouping programs based on the sectors they support creates more opportunities for collaboration and allows leaders to strengthen connections across a broad range of industries." This restructuring aims to simulate the collaborative environment of a worksite. The project reportedly followed extensive engagement with faculty, staff and members of the industry, and while the new structure is now in place, it is seen as an ongoing project that will continue to evolve. "The direction of the economy, industry and technology are going to constantly drive us to make changes," add Leclaire. "In turn, the grads that NAIT produces will play a role in influencing that direction and help ensure the province’s future prosperity." NAIT’s seven new schools are: * JR Shaw School of Business * School of Construction and Building Sciences * School of Energy and Natural Resources * School of Health and Life Sciences * School of Manufacturing and Automation * School of Media and Information Technology * School of Transportation In addition to the structural changes, NAIT has also appointed two new deans to its faculty: * Agatha Ojimelukwe, who brings over a decade of post-secondary education experience, will lead the School of Energy and Natural Resources. * Stephen McMillan, with 15 years of experience at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, will serve as dean of both the School of Manufacturing and Automation and the School of Transportation. These changes are expected to broaden NAIT's capacity to take on more students and grow the institution. "We’re seeing a lot of growth, and that growth requires skilled talent, and so we’re hoping that we can attract more students to those career opportunities." By creating a structure that more closely resembles real-world industry settings, NAIT aims to prepare students for the workforce while simultaneously enhancing its position as a leading provider of skilled talent. This strategic reorganization, combined with the addition of two experienced deans, positions NAIT for continued growth and success in the years to come. NAIT is set to continue to evolve and adapt to the evolving demands of the industries it serves, ensuring that its graduates are well-equipped to meet the challenges of the future. ### NAIT's Restructuring: A New Era for the Polytechnic Institute NAIT’s restructuring represents a significant step forward for the polytechnic institute, marking a commitment to meeting the evolving needs of both its students and the industries they will join. By aligning its academic structure with industry realities, NAIT is not only preparing its students for success but also solidifying its reputation as a trusted partner in driving economic growth and innovation. The new structure, coupled with the addition of two experienced deans, promises to enhance NAIT’s capacity to take on more students, further strengthening its role in fostering skilled talent and contributing to the province’s economic prosperity.