Students stand beside a Komatsu excavator during an intensive week of heavy equipment training at New Gold mine, located just outside of Kamloops. The students operated a range of equipment the likes of dump trucks,  loaders, and excavators.

A 15 week exploration into six different exciting trades options wound up Friday, December 17 with a celebration of success for 13 Aboriginal women from around the province.

Thompson Rivers University School of Trades and Technology, through funding from the Industrial Training Authority developed a program for under-employed women to “try the trades”. With support from the Labour Market Development Agreement the women spent from 1 to 3 weeks immersed in electrician, instrument technician, glazier, parts person, piping and heavy equipment operator training. While some theory was introduced, the bulk of the instruction was on the practical. Incorporated into the program was an “essential skills” program and various tours to industry including a trip to the Revelstoke Dam.

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“It was so encouraging to walk through the halls in the mornings and see the smiles on these womens faces,” said Lindsey Langill, TRU Dean Trades and Technology. “The experience has been life changing for some, and 5 of the 15 will continue into a Trades Foundation Program at TRU this spring.”

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