In May 2025, NAIT announced it was suspending 18 programs for financial reasons. The Materials Engineering Technologist (MET) program was included in the list of suspended programs.
The MET program is important to our industry, and IPEIA consulted with Industry Groups to draft a letter requesting NAIT reconsider the suspension. The letter was sent via email to the NAIT Board of Directors and also copied to the following:
- Minister of Advanced Education
- Minister of Energy and Minerals
- Minister of Municipal Affairs
- Premier of Alberta
NAIT’s response is below and has been provided to the IG Chairs. IPEIA has responded to the Dean, Mr. Stephen McMillan, with an offer of an online meeting to better understand the issues around the suspension. We hope to learn more about what NAIT needs from industry to have them cancel the program’s suspension.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Jim Yukes at jyukes@avheng.com.
The following is the email response IPEIA received from Mr. Stephen McMillan, Dean, School of Manufacturing & Automation, School of Transportation- NAIT
Dear Jim Yukes,
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us. NAIT’s recent decision to pause admissions to several programs has raised important questions and concerns. These are not decisions we take lightly—and we truly appreciate your care for NAIT, our students, and the future of post-secondary education in Alberta.
Earlier this month, NAIT announced that 18 academic programs will be paused starting in Fall 2025 and Fall 2026. This decision was part of a broad, strategic review of all NAIT programs, with the goal of ensuring our offerings remain relevant, high-quality, and financially sustainable.
You can learn more in our May 15 announcement or by reading more about this next phase of the process here: NAIT Launches Engagement Phase for Paused Programs.
Why programs were paused
Like many post-secondary institutions across Canada, NAIT is navigating rising costs, changes in enrolment, and reduced revenue from international tuition. Paused programs are among our highest-cost offerings, often with lower enrolment or completion rates. These changes allow us to invest in areas of the highest demand and impact.
What happens next
Each paused program will now undergo a formal review, guided by Alberta’s post-secondary oversight process. This includes:
- Engagement with students, staff, alumni, and industry partners
- A thorough analysis of long-term labour market needs, student interest, and delivery models
- One of several possible outcomes: the program may continue with improvements, be redesigned, or be recommended for suspension
Support for students
Current students in paused programs will continue their studies and be supported to graduate. Applicants will receive personalized guidance to explore alternative programs or be offered a full refund.
NAIT remains committed to transparency, engagement, and doing what is right for students and the industries we serve. Thank you again for your message—and for being part of the NAIT community.
Sincerely,
Stephen McMillan MEng. PEng. RSE.
Dean
School of Manufacturing & Automation, School of Transportation
NAIT, 11762 – 106 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta Canada T5G 2R1
P 587-336-5120 E stephenmc@nait.ca
www.nait.ca
Engagement Phase
https://www.nait.ca/nait/about/newsroom/2025/nait-launches-engagement-phase-for-paused-programs