EDMonTON — NAIT is responding to a need in Alberta for tradespeople whohave managerial, leadership and entrepreneurial skills with one of the first pathways in North America to allow certified tradespeople to move directly from a certificate to the third year of a degree program.

The Edmonton-based polytechnic’s Trades to Degrees program was launched in September through NAIT’s JR Shaw School of Business, with 22 students comprised mostly of NAIT instructors, who are helping to shape and define the pathway. New applications will be accepted for the fall of 2013.

Previously, people with trades certification had few opportunities to turn additional education and experience into academic credit.

“By providing a direct pathway from trades certification to a degree, we’re acknowledging the work experience and post-secondary education that led to certification,” said Glenn Feltham, NAIT president and CEO.

NAIT offers degree programs in business (BBA), now included in the pathway, and technology (BTech), but it’s also developing a program in construction management. Eventually the pathway will be expanded to include the other degree programs.