Through a donation of $465,000 in mining equipment, Highland Valley Copper will expand Thompson Rivers University’s School of Trades & Technology heavy-duty mechanical and commercial transport training labs.
“Highland Valley Copper and its parent company Teck Cominco have a long history of supporting education, and giving back to an industry that is ever growing and changing,” TRU President, Dr. Roger Barnsley said, accepting the donation on behalf of the university. “It is through this equipment that we will be able to expand our training in real life skills in heavy-duty mechanics and further fulfill our strategic mandate to be the university of choice for student engagement and career success.”
“We see an ongoing demand for well trained trades in all the disciplines both at Highland Valley Copper and other Teck Cominco operations across the country,” said Wolf Nickel, President and General Manager of Highland Valley Copper. “Top class trades training programs such as the ones at Thompson Rivers University are essential in helping to meet that demand.”
“This donation supports two of our key trades programs by providing our students with access to the same working equipment they will find at the job site,” said Dean of Trades and Technology Ralph Finch. “It will ensure our graduates, from every level of heavy-duty and commercial transport mechanical trades training have the knowledge and skills they need to move directly into the workforce in this demanding field.”
“We believe Highland Valley Copper’s investment in TRU is a means of ensuring our future trades people in this field can experience, and fully understand, the wide range of equipment they will be required to repair and service,” said Tim Stainton, Chair of TRU’s Mechanical Trades.
The donated equipment from the Logan Lake mine, owned by Teck Cominco, includes two Caterpillar bulldozers, excavator, flatdeck truck equipped with HIAB, grader and a 15-ton crane. The 10 pieces of working equipment will increase the hands-on-training access for heavy-duty and commercial transport mechanic students, from foundation (entry-level) through to fourth year apprentices and ensures the students are training on equipment that is current with industry standards.
TRU has offered a Heavy-duty Mechanics program since the 1970s, training thousands of heavy-duty and commercial transport mechanics for a wide range of industries. Through industry partnerships like this one with Highland Valley Copper, TRU looks forward to continuing this tradition – being a provincial leader in trades and technical training.
For more information please contact: Ralph Finch, Dean of Trades and Technology
Thompson Rivers University
Phone: (250) 828-5125
Email: rfinch@tru.caor
Mark Freberg
Superintendent Environment and Community Affairs
Highland Valley Copper
Phone: (250) 523-3200
Email: mfreberg@teckcominco.com
