Trades students will get their hands on some new equipment thanks to $300,955 in government funding, announced today.
The announcement, made on behalf of the Ministry of Advanced Education by Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation & Infrastructure and MLA for Kamloops South Thompson and Terry Lake, Minister of Health and MLA for Kamloops North Thompson, represents the latest government investment in trades training equipment as part of BC’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint.
“Having the right tools along with quality training means that TRU students will be able to develop the skills employers are looking for to be first in line for careers in Kamloops,” said Stone.
The funding will go toward equipment for the cook training, mechanical, welding, automotive, millwright and carpentry programs to enhance hands-on learning opportunities and develop skills for in-demand careers.
Carpentry instructor Tim Kasten says the new carpentry equipment, including ten “total survey stations” and a sliding compound mitre saw, will bring the program in line with the type of technology currently used in industry.
“By training our students with up-to-date equipment they will have an advantage going forward into the work force. We will be at the forefront of training with the move to exclusive use of these total stations,” Kasten said.
Carpentry students looked on enthusiastically as Kasten demonstrated the new survey equipment inside the carpentry lab following the announcement.
“Carpenters are hands-on learners, so having this new equipment will allow us to see and use these tools rather than just read about them. It will be great to get a grasp of how we can use these new tools to make our work easier and more precise,” said second-year carpentry apprenticeship student Harley Russell.
TRU President Alan Shaver echoes the sentiments of the students and instructors.
“A career in the real world requires a real-world education and today’s announcement will help TRU deliver just that,” said Shaver.
TRU has received a total of $1.75 million since the launch of BC’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, as well as $735,560 toward 186 trades training seats. The Skills for Jobs Blueprint supports students entering in-demand careers in the natural resource, industrial, marine, construction or hospitality sectors.
