Students and TRU President Alan Shaver (second from right) gather for a group photo with project manager Jasbir Mahal (far right) to kickoff the construction of the 2018 Training House Project.
With files from Canadian Home Builders’ Association Central Interior
One of TRU’s longest partnerships entered its 28th year on Wednesday.
TRU’s School of Trades and Technology and the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Central Interior started construction on the 2018 Training House Project on Aug. 9 and with it, first-year residential construction students are getting invaluable hands-on building experience.
Overseen by TRU trades instructor Bryce Coombs, students will do the foundation, framing and rough-in work. After that, the home will be finished with the support of CHBA CI members.
This year’s build is located in Westsyde, by Centennial Park in a development called Beachmount Estates.
Coombs said students are not only getting the opportunity to contribute back to the community, they’re seeing their classroom and shop learning spring to life.
The 2017 Training House Project won a Georgie award for being the best CHBA public-private partnership in BC. It is one of several Georgies won over the years. Will there be another in 2018?
“For us, it is about enhancing the educational experience by providing on-site experience in addition to classroom work,” said Coombs, who is in his first year of the Training House Project. He took over from Hank Bangma, who taught the program for years before retiring earlier this summer.
For the last 21 years, the finished home has been sold to the Kamloops YMCA/YWCA for its Dream Home Lottery fundraiser. Proceeds from the lottery have gone to community initiatives coordinated and run by the Kamloops YMCA/YWCA.
The Training House Project is known locally, provincially and nationally and has won awards for its public-private partnership, sustainable elements and community contribution.
The 2018 home will be about 3,000 square-feet of floor area over two storeys and have three bedrooms.
Designed by Chris McNeil of Motivo Design Group Inc., the house is modern in its look, its feel and use of products. For years, the finished house has been one that renovators have drawn ideas from.
Member builder-developer Jasbir Mahal of Enzo Holdings Ltd. is the project manager, while many CHBA CI members are onboard to provide ongoing support in products, labour or both.
“This project allows us to be part of the community and also showcase the incredible talents in our local home-building industry,” said Kelly Reid, CHBA CI first vice-president.
