A major investment in trades training is moving ahead.
Construction of a $6.21 million trade training centre for Okanagan College鈥檚 Vernon campus was announced Monday.
鈥淭his is a big day,鈥� said Eric Foster, Vernon-Monashee MLA.
鈥淲e will see a great addition to the college and the community.鈥�
The 1,250-square-metre training centre will be constructed on the west side of the continuing education building towards Highway 97. It will include multi-purpose shops, a welding shop and multi-use trade space for the electrical, carpentry, plumbing and pipefitting programs, as well as aboriginal and women in trades trades programs.
Capacity will be created for about 150 trades students and they should be in the classes in the spring of 2018.
Presently, trades activities are in a leased hangar at the Vernon Regional Airport.
鈥淲e want to provide trades training close to home,鈥� said Jim Hamilton, OC president, adding that a facility at the Vernon campus is a priority.
鈥淪tudents will get to take advantage of all of the services at the campus.鈥�
Among those welcoming the new training centre is Harrison Coe, an electrical student.
鈥淔or future students, it means a lot 鈥� greater access,鈥� he said, adding that the centre will address the isolation students can have at the airport site.
鈥淭hey will feel part of the students here. They will have access to the library and cafeteria.鈥�
There will also be expanded opportunities for Vernon School District students, many of whom pursue training while still in high school.
鈥淭his is a fantastic resource for our schools,鈥� said Joe Rogers, district superintendent.
鈥淭his will allow us to have more Grade 12 students working with the college.鈥�
Of the $6.21 million, $2.66 million will come from the federal government while there is $2.88 million from the provincial government and $670,000 from Okanagan College.
鈥淥kanagan College is one of our great success stories in the province,鈥� said Andrew Wilkinson, B.C.鈥檚 advanced education minister.
鈥淲e want to make sure students have a world of
