Engineering Education & Mentorship | Edmonton, Alberta
Elevate Academy
Practical engineering education, mentorship, and pathways into the building industry.
Founded by engineering leader Reginald Nicolas, P.Eng., PE, CEM, GBE, LEED AP(BD+C), Elevate Academy is an NVTS initiative that aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world practice. NVTS operates as a for-profit company; Academy programs are developed within that business.
A community-focused learning plan shaped by more than 25 years of engineering experience.
Planned Programs
Build confidence through practice, connection, and curiosity.
The Academy's proposed programs are designed to help learners move from technical foundations to confident participation in engineering and building-industry work.
Guidance for the next step
One-to-one mentorship, career guidance, project exposure, and professional development for students, engineers-in-training, technologists, and early-career professionals.
Building systems in the real world
Workshops and seminars covering HVAC, controls, energy efficiency, sustainability, project management, healthcare infrastructure, and building operations.
Learn where the systems get complex
Planned learning in steam and boiler plants, medical gas, ultra-pure water, pools and natatoriums, heat recovery, and other demanding facility systems.
Technical strength, human skills
Collaborative development of communication, teamwork, critical thinking, project leadership, and professional confidence.
Useful technology, responsibly applied
A long-term plan for engineering-focused learning tools that can support technical concepts, knowledge sharing, project workflows, and mentorship access.
Stronger pathways through partnership
Potential collaborations with educational institutions, engineering firms, professional associations, municipalities, and community organizations.
Who It Is For
More ways into a technical career.
Elevate Academy is planned for learners and partners who benefit from practical experience, supportive relationships, and more accessible routes into the industry.
- Engineering and building-sciences students
- Engineers-in-training and early-career professionals
- Junior technologists, designers, and technical learners
- Internationally trained engineers and newcomers
- Underserved communities seeking access to engineering careers
- Employers and institutions investing in workforce development
Phased Growth Plan
Start local. Build capability. Expand access.
The business plan describes a staged path, with programs and technology growing alongside partnerships, capacity, and sustainable funding.
Phase 01 · 0–3 years
Foundation and community
Establish governance, pilot mentorship and workshops, build Alberta partnerships, and begin with accessible cloud-based learning tools.
Phase 02 · 3–7 years
Regional reach and technology
Expand across Alberta and Western Canada, develop an engineering-focused learning platform, and create more hybrid programs and industry pathways.
Phase 03 · 7+ years
Broader collaboration and access
Work toward a national mentorship network, scholarships, applied research partnerships, and community-access learning infrastructure.
Business Sustainability
Build durable growth around useful education.
NVTS is a for-profit company. Academy programs are part of a sustainable business model that balances learner access with the revenue and investment needed to deliver them.
- Earned revenue from educational programs, workshops, events, and related services
- Commercial partnerships and sponsorships aligned with the business
- Grants or program funding where for-profit businesses are eligible
- Lean operations, phased technology investment, and working capital
- Appropriate corporate financial reporting and internal controls
Get Involved
Help make engineering knowledge more accessible.
Mentors, educators, community organizations, and industry partners can help shape the Academy's programs and pathways.