TECTERRA’s $1.4 million investment in the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is fueling the future of geospatial and surveying education in Canada. © NAIT
TECTERRA’s $1.4 million investment in the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is fueling the future of geospatial and surveying education in Canada. This strategic partnership has fortified NAIT’s program by upgrading essential equipment, establishing a robust student award endowment, and fostering youth engagement initiatives. Through these efforts, TECTERRA is enhancing the academic experience and ensuring that NAIT graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of the modern workforce.
Enhancing Education Through Equipment Upgrades
The cornerstone of TECTERRA’s investment has been the equipment upgrades for NAIT’s Geospatial and Surveying Technology Program. This funding has allowed the program to acquire state-of-the-art tools, ensuring that students train with the technology most used in the industry. TECTERRA is helping NAIT produce job-ready graduates from day one by bridging the gap between academia and industry standards.
Building a Legacy with the Student Award Endowment
The TECTERRA endowment fund will support multiple student awards annually, with four students benefiting from this financial assistance in the 2024/25 academic year. These awards alleviate financial burdens and motivate students to excel in their studies and careers. Among those first recipients, James Tiffin and Anna Atcheynum exemplify the potential that TECTERRA’s support is helping to unlock.
Engaging the Next Generation of Geospatial Professionals
Through youth engagement events, TECTERRA’s investment extends beyond current students to future geomatics professionals. The first event, held in June 2024, welcomed 30 high school students from Spruce Grove Composite High School to NAIT. This initiative included alumni volunteers who shared their career experiences, inspiring the next generation to consider a future in geomatics. These events are pivotal in raising awareness about the field and attracting new talent to the program.
Strengthening Industry Connections and Program Promotion
TECTERRA’s funding supports broader initiatives strengthening the Geospatial and Surveying Technology Program. A portion of the funding has been dedicated to marketing the program, ensuring prospective students and industry professionals know about the opportunities at NAIT. Annual networking events, fostering connections between students, alumni, and industry leaders, are being hosted to provide students with real-world insights into their future careers.
Explore NAIT’s Surveying and Geospatial Engineering Technology Program