The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, commonly known as NAIT, has been a self-governing institution since 1982. But it first opened in 1963, and over the years, it has grown into a bigger school offering more programs.

One of the main aspects we like is that it offers an extensive program selection, from bookkeeping to project management. Our team found this useful because it gives students the freedom to study their chosen careers.

Additionally, their various programs will allow many people to have high-paying jobs and better opportunities. There are also various labour courses that can increase the student’s skills (and salary!).

It also offers schedule flexibility. Some continuing education students in Edmonton have full-time jobs, so the various schedules were highly beneficial.

Moreover, many courses have a weekend, evening, and online schedules. Some of our team have even looked into the weekend courses because it’s convenient and flexible for a working person.

It’s worth highlighting that students can earn micro-credentials at NAIT. Students can choose to focus on specific skills, and once earned, they can show them to their potential employers.

Plus, they have payment options for continuing education courses. But the funding assistance is first come, first served. So, securing your funding is quite challenging.

Just a heads-up: their student service centre is closed on weekends. People may need to arrange their schedules when submitting applications.

University of Alberta’s Faculty of Extension has offered online and continuing education since 1912. We mainly liked this university because it’s one of the best in Canada.

We highly appreciate the list of programs, including business, indigenous courses, environmental studies, and languages. The diverse selection definitely made an impression on us because it caters to a large number of students.

Apart from that, all courses are available for part-time students. Our team looked for this flexibility because most continuing education students in Edmonton have full or part-time jobs.

There are micro-credentials, too. Our team really liked this because it allows students to upgrade their skills without enrolling in a full program.

Conveniently, there are different funding assistance available here. There are various grants as well for different types of students!

Additionally, they offer employee training cost assistance of up to two-thirds. Small and medium-sized businesses can benefit from this since it can advance employee skills and training.

Did we mention the convenient location at Enterprise Square? It’s connected to an LRT station with long biking and walking trails, which are perfect for students.

Unfortunately, the Student Service Centre is unavailable on weekends. Due to this, students need to allot time on their weekday schedules for concerns or application submissions.

Although they have phone and student portal support, it can take a while to talk to someone. It’ll take about 40 minutes and 6 to 7 days, respectively.

MacEwan University offers various courses and certificate programs in diverse industries. This is highly beneficial because it provides many opportunities for adults to upgrade their skills.

Moreover, the many programs allow anyone to earn the skills for a career change. Honestly, our team even started looking into the courses!

They also accept domestic and international students, allowing even non-Canadians many opportunities.

Speaking of opportunities, they focus their methods on enhancing the student’s career (and life!). It’s due to their personal development courses where students can learn new skills or pursue their passion.

In fact, many of their courses are some of the in-demand jobs in the country. In the current economy, our team highly believes this is useful for future opportunities.

Another aspect that made an impression is the university’s preparatory programs. Although some might not find this useful, we think this is a great option for immigrants to improve their English-language proficiency.

Additionally, the university offers funding assistance for continuing education. But we found it’s a bit limited compared to other schools in Edmonton offering continuing education.

Our team suggests students (especially working ones) allot time on a weekday if they need something from the student centre. It’s closed on weekends, unfortunately.

Concordia University of Edmonton has been around for over 100 years. It provides many in-person and online courses for local and international students.

We like the diverse programs the university offers. They have continuing programs for professional and personal development.

An aspect we appreciate is schedule flexibility. Most continuing education students in Edmonton have day jobs, and the schedule is a factor that many consider before deciding to study again.

Moreover, there are many in-person and online courses. We were also happy to learn that they have seasonal programs.

But take note that some summer programs are only available for selected students. We found out that a few courses were only offered to international students, unfortunately.

On a good note, there are a bunch of short courses that are available for anyone. Some that sparked our interest are drama, ethics, and languages.

In addition, our team like the affordable fees. Some course fees are less than $1,000 + GST,  allowing people with limited budgets to get additional education.

Plus, many short courses are available for those with weekday work schedules who want to improve their skills. Our team liked the flexibility that the short programs offer for busy bees.

Just note that they’re closed on weekends. Any inquiries will need to wait during weekdays.

MaKami College is a private vocational college in Edmonton and Calgary. It specializes in massage therapy, offering vocational courses and workshops.

Aside from locals, it also accepts international students. Considering that it will only take two years to finish the massage therapy program, we think this option is practical and convenient for many.

We were glad to learn that they offer free in-person workshops, too. Some are even open to the public, which our team found helpful for those considering MaKami College but still unsure.

But for those not interested in massage programs, we’re happy to report that they offer the English Language 202 program. Just remember that this 100-hour course is only available online.

Additionally, they offer a business administrative assistant program. This is a short one, we found, and only needs ten months of the student’s time.

However, we think it’s important to note that MaKami College offers a limited number of courses. Those who want to learn other skills may need to look at a different school.

As for fees, we were glad to learn that they offer financial assistance despite having affordable prices compared to other vocational colleges. 

Lastly, we heard some differing opinions regarding the quality of education for the massage therapy program. Although there were students who liked it, others thought some improvement was needed.