Quality, skills-based training to meet Northern needs

Before experiencing it for themselves, many people don’t realize the gem that is Aurora College’s School of Trades, Apprenticeship and Industrial Training (TAIT). The facilities, training equipment, range of programming, curriculum and quality of instructors rival what is available at larger institutions while offering lower student-instructor ratios and more one-on-one attention from instructors.

Based at Thebacha Campus in Fort Smith, TAIT delivers unique, northern-focused, high-quality skills-based training that is developed and delivered with the northern learner and northern labour market in mind.
Spacious, modern, well-equipped shop facilities and classrooms for apprenticeship and trades programs fill the entire west wing of the main campus. A short walk away is the Centre for Mine and Industry Training which was built specifically to deliver mining, heavy equipment and Class 1/Class 3 driver training. Hands-on training with heavy equipment, large haul trucks and other mining equipment takes place at private practice sites near Fort Smith.

Each program has a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students for success, with ongoing efforts to meet the North’s growing demand for skilled workers and to provide students with best possible training and career opportunities. The curriculum for apprenticeship technical training at Aurora College is recognized by Alberta, Yukon and Nunavut, in addition to the NWT.
Program offerings are chosen to respond to needs of communities, employers, and students. In addition to traditional apprenticeship and trades deliveries, the College has developed, adopted or adapted a number of unique options, including Observer Communicator, Non-apprenticeship Housing Maintainer and a stand-alone Oil Heat Systems Technician program.

As a northern institution, Aurora College is proud of the fact that the majority of TAIT instructors are long-time northerners – many of whom are Indigenous, and many received trades education at the College. As well, most TAIT instructors have extensive work experience within the NWT and in the north, so are able to share that experience and understanding with their students.

Partnerships with Northern businesses, industry, and industry organizations are key to helping ensure curriculum and training are aligned with the needs of Northern labour market. Aurora College is grateful for the support of these partners, including De Beers Group, Diavik Diamond Mine, and Ekati.