NAIT's decision to cancel the CNC Machinist Technician certificate course is a critical misstep with far-reaching consequences for Alberta's manufacturing industry. This program is one of the only post-secondary courses in Alberta dedicated to cultivating a new generation of skilled machinists – a group that our local manufacturers desperately need.

Alberta's economy relies on a robust manufacturing sector, from small local machine shops to large-scale production facilities that supply not only our province but much of Canada and beyond. Graduates from NAIT's CNC Machinist Technician program have traditionally filled these roles and played an essential part in maintaining the flow of our economic engine. However, with current labor shortages plaguing the industry, this decision could worsen an already urgent situation — leading to increased operational delays, reduced product quality, and ultimately, unfulfilled orders that impact both national and international clients.

While traditional apprenticeships have long been a cornerstone of trades training, they are no longer enough on their own. Apprenticeship opportunities rely heavily on employers having both the time and resources to train from scratch — something many shops, especially small and mid-sized ones, simply can’t afford in today’s fast-paced environment. The CNC Machinist Technician program plays a vital role by preparing students with hands-on, industry-relevant experience in a condensed time frame. Graduates enter the workforce job-ready, able to contribute on day one with a skillset that aligns with real-world shop needs — including CNC programming, setup, and safe operation of modern equipment. This structured and consistent level of training is what makes the program indispensable to the future of machining in Alberta.

The manufacturing sector in Alberta has already been facing a workforce crisis. Recent surveys show that over 60% of manufacturing leaders in Alberta report difficulty finding skilled labor, with machinists being among the most sought-after professionals. The timing of this cancellation couldn't be worse, as many seasoned machinists near retirement. Without a steady stream of skilled newcomers, Alberta risks a widening skills gap that threatens not just business continuity, but the province’s broader economic growth.

Reversing NAIT's decision is vital — not only to sustain, but to expand Alberta's manufacturing capacity. We urge NAIT and the Government of Alberta to consider the long-term implications and work collaboratively with industry leaders to develop a sustainable path forward that meets both educational and economic needs.

We call on the community, industry stakeholders, students, and policymakers to join us in demanding the reinstatement of the CNC Machinist Technician program at NAIT. Together, we can protect Alberta’s manufacturing future and keep it competitive on a global scale.

Sign this petition today and help us secure the skilled labor force needed to power Alberta’s economic engine forward.