KAMLOOPS – Donors and employees of New Gold Inc. and Thompson Rivers University (TRU) gathered on Monday, June 13, for the official unveiling of the New Gold Women in Trades and Technology Resource Centre.

Representatives from local women in trades advocate groups and companies were on site for the centre’s grand opening, including New Gold Inc., RBC, Acres Enterprises, BC Centre for Women in Trades, Centre of Training Excellence in Mining, and more.

The New Gold Women in Trades and Technology Resource Centre was made possible by a $150,000 donation from New Gold Inc. The multiuse space serves as a hub and communal gathering place for students and staff, with a flexible teaching space and upgraded technology. The centre has a private meeting room, an office for the program coordinator, and a functional classroom for students.

“Our partnership with TRU and the donation to the TRU Women in Trades Training program are aligned with our vision to strengthen our team with a diverse, inclusive and empowered workforce,” said John Ritter, general manager at New Gold’s New Afton Mine. “We are grateful for our relationship with TRU as we have received many highly skilled trades graduates and complement this by continuing to invest in our employees’ personal and professional development through apprenticeship programs at TRU.”

With BC facing a labour skill shortage of trade workers, combined with the number of women wanting to pursue trades and number of new mines increasing, this space has come at an optimal time.

Contact:
Heather Hamilton, Associate Director, Community Education and Workforce Training
School of Trades and Technology
250-371-5658 | hhamilton@tru.ca