A local business has stepped up to the tune of $25,000 to launch a new computer lab in the automotive area of the College of New Caledonia's John A. Brink Trades and Technology Centre.
The donation from Chieftain Auto Parts Inc. helped to deliver 16 computers along with monitors, printer, video camera, a large-screen television and a specialized scanner called Elmo which allows the instructor to display auto parts on the TV for students to see.
The equipment will also allow students to look up and order parts at wholesale prices from Chieftain.
Computers and other high-technology devices are common features of the modern auto shop, Chieftain owner Trevor Heinze said during a grand opening Friday.
"We see it as a great opportunity to help these students come up into the 21st century and to where everyone else is in the industry," he said. "It's also going to help these students look at opportunities in the auto parts business...we might get some parts people out of this particular class as well."
Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond said the provincial government will continue to seek further such partnerships with industry as a way to keep up with advancements in technology.
The Chieftain Auto Parts Lab will keep its name until March 31, 2015.
