Kamloops—New Gold Inc. has donated $150,000 to enhance programming and opportunities for women in trades at Thompson Rivers University (TRU).

The funding will primarily support extensive renovations to upgrade a multiuse space that will be called the New Gold Women in Trades and Technology Resource Centre. Additionally, the company endowed $50,000 to fund a new bursary that will be awarded annually to women pursuing training in electrical, welding, heavy mechanical and millwright foundation programs.

“At New Gold, one of our core values is People and Communities and we strengthen our team by embracing diversity and inclusiveness. 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.

“Our Community Investment Strategy focuses on long-term sustainable investments, which includes advancement of women in leadership roles within the local community of Kamloops. 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.”

The New Gold Women in Trades and Technology Resource Centre will be a hub for the RBC Women in Trades Training (WITT) student cohort and staff. RBC has funded WITT since 2014, with the goal of addressing gender inequality in the workforce. Students receive dedicated support, mentorship, learning opportunities and access to bursaries while pursuing trades training at TRU. WITT also offers introductory and exploratory opportunities to women interested in a career in trades. Enrolment of women in trades at TRU has increased by 50 percent since WITT was introduced.

“Investing in diversity in trades programs has a strong impact at TRU. The funding from New Gold further enhances our efforts and initiatives to increase gender diversity among skilled tradespeople. We are seeing more women completing their Red Seal certification and pursuing leadership roles,” said Dean of the School of Trades and Technology Baldev Pooni.

The New Gold Women in Trades and Technology Resource Centre will serve several purposes, including a communal gathering place and flexible teaching space with upgraded technology. It will have a private meeting room, an office for the WITT program co-ordinator, and safe and secure access to the resource centre for students.

“Honestly, I don’t know where I would be if it were not for the Women in Trades Training program. It opened up so many doors for me and exposed pathways that I would never have considered otherwise,” said electrical student Sophie Gervais.

“I’m so grateful to the faculty for the important work they do, and I know the upgrades will only improve the exceptional services that are already offered. An updated space will generate a stronger sense of community for women on campus and give others the same opportunities that I’ve had through this program. Thank you, New Gold.”

The New Gold Women in Trades Resource Centre will open once renovations are completed in 2022. The New Gold Women in Trades Bursary will be awarded for the first time in Spring 2022.

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Contact:

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

Krystal Kehoe, Community Relations Co-ordinator
New Gold Inc.
250-377-2781 | Krystal.kehoe@newgold.com