KAMLOOPS – Thompson Rivers University (TRU) has received $250,000 funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) to support the partnership initiative with School District #73 to deliver trades training to rural and Aboriginal communities in the Interior of British Columbia.
The contribution, being delivered through the federal government’s Community Economic Diversification Initiative, will support a state-of-the-art mobile training unit. Funding for the project is contingent upon confirmation of funding from other resources.
The Community Economic Diversification Initiative is a component of the federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program that provides a total of $36.6 million to support community capacity building and projects that offer innovative opportunities for economic growth, job creation and future sustainability of communities threatened by the beetle.
“Canada’s New Government is getting things done for the people of British Columbia,” said the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. “Thanks to our investment, the Mobile Training Unit will be capable of delivering specialized trades training to rural and Aboriginal communities in the region. This is another example of our commitment to working with partners to improve opportunities that will deliver real results for Aboriginal people “
“TRU appreciates its partnership with School District #73 and the Government of Canada’s support of this initiative” said TRU President Roger Barnsley.
He added, “This project demonstrates a highly innovative approach to meeting regional needs and ensuring accessibility to education. We look forward to future discussions with other levels of government and with local industry to further develop this rural trades training initiative.”
The mobile training unit, 53 ft trailer, which expands to a 1000 square foot training lab, will initially be used to address welding, millwright and electrical trade shortages. Initial program offerings are expected to be scheduled as 6-month programs involving high school students and the general public, combined with 6-10 week apprenticeship programs.
“High waitlists for welding programs have prompted the university and school district to offer a Welding Level C program as an initial Foundation program, and consultation with industry indicates an immediate regional need for Millwright Level 1 and 2 apprenticeship programs as well,” said TRU Dean of Trades and Technology Ralph Finch.
“TRU and the School District have been working on this initiative for two years,” Terry Sullivan, SD73 Superintendent said. “This funding will equip our mobile trades training unit and get trades education delivered to our rural secondary schools where it is vital for the sustainability of rural education. Also, it will provide greater incentives for our students to stay in school.”
The new mobile training facility will be available to assist in the retraining of individuals who have lost their employment due to current and future debilitating economic and labour market dislocation as a result of the pine beetle infestation. Potentially, over the next eight years 50,000 workers may be affected.
TRU and SD #73 have enjoyed, for many years, a positive and productive relationship in meeting the needs of learners in the interior of British Columbia. The mobile training initiative joins other innovative projects that have made TRU and S.D.#73 education leaders in the Province.
For more information please contact:
Ralph Finch
TRU Dean of Trades and Technology
250.828.5125
Terry Sullivan
SD73 Superintendent
250.374.0679
