KAMLOOPS – Thompson Rivers University’s Senate heard yesterday evening that the university’s new Bachelor of Technology degree in Trades and Technology Leadership has received approval from the province’s degree quality assessment board (DQAB) and is now awaiting the formal go-ahead in the form of a letter from BC’s Ministry of Advanced Education before launching the unique degree this year.

“This innovative degree enhances TRU’s reputation as a university that offers flexible and relevant programming for the present and future needs of working Canadians,” said TRU Provost and VP Academic Mark Evered.

The new program, the only one of its kind in Canada, is aimed at allowing certified tradespeople to gain the business and leadership knowledge needed for management and other advanced positions, will primarily be offered through on-line study, as the university recognizes that many tradespeople wishing to advance in their careers would already be working in their chosen field and so require flexible learning options.

“This program represents an economical and quick way for people in the trades to advance their careers,” said TRU’s trades and technology degree programs coordinator Gerry Desrochers, who explained that the university is now working on creating the registration process for the program that will credit prior learning.

“People entering the program will get credit for previous training, and apart from a kick-off and a capstone course in leadership, can study on-line, so they won’t lose any earnings,” he added.

The university anticipates a start on the program’s on-line courses as early as late spring or summer.

For more information, please contact Gerry Desrochers at 250-828-5106 or by email.