Thompson Rivers University School of Trades and Technology announced the three new trades programs that will be delivered out of its Kamloops campus early in 2010.

As promised during his interview with the university’s hiring committee earlier this spring, TRU’s new Dean of Trades and Technology is delivering on his pledge to bring additional trade programs to Kamloops.

“Our local market is ready for some new programs, ” stated Lindsay Langill who came to TRU March 1 from the Industry Training Authority, where he held a senior role with the Provincial Apprenticeship body The new programs now accepting registrations are: Metal Fabrication, Industrial Instrumentation Mechanic, and Geo-Thermal Technician.

While the new programs are modeled as traditional apprenticeships, the Metal Fabrication and Industrial Instrument Mechanic carry the additional status of “Red-Seal” certified national trades. “I believe that we should be providing new exciting programs for our youth coming out of high school so they see trades as a solid career option,” Langill said. “Industrial Instrumentation Technicians are still in high demand in the north for the provinces’ oil and gas industries. TRU will offer the first-level of apprenticeship for this program and has partnered with Northern Lights College (NLC) in Fort St. John where NLC will provide the other 3 levels It is very specialized training and NLC has invested millions into a brand new state of the art training facility, so the alignment of partnering makes sense”. The Metal Fabrication program is open to certified welders; seats are limited so early registration is encouraged Geo-Thermal, while a stand-alone trade, can certainly be a valuable enhancement to any certified plumber who is working on these types of heating/cooling systems.

Langill, not one to sit still is currently working on the preparation work needed to ready the delivery for two more exciting trades that he hopes can be ready for delivery in 2010

Contact: Lindsay Langill, Dean School of Trades and Technology, (p)250.828.5110
lblangill@tru.ca