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CNC trades wing expansion a win for Quesnel students

The province contributed $5.5 million for the upgrades, with CNC providing the remaining $1.3 million.

The College of New Caledonia says their trades wing expansion means high-demand programs have returned to Quesnel, with students benefiting from power engineering fourth class and apprentice welding programs in 2024.

“We’re thrilled to expand our trades offerings in Quesnel,” said Cindy Heitman, president of CNC, in a press release.

“Our top priority is making sure students get skills that directly translate into the workplace. Updated learning environments ensure students not only get the skills they need to earn their certificate, but also find long-term success in rewarding careers," she added. 

According to labour market trends, 1,400 new power engineers will be needed in the next 10 years across B.C. in a variety of work environments: power generation plants, pulp mills, hospitals, refineries, breweries, and hockey arenas.

Northern Health is also excited to see more skilled trades professionals being trained locally, with Quesnel's G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital is optimistic about what the return of power engineering and welding. 

“We are excited to see these trades return to the Quesnel campus,” added Al Rempel in the release, a maintenance supervisor at the hospital. “With the increasing complexity of health care-related buildings and equipment, locally trained skilled professionals play an important part in delivering and maintaining health services in our community." 

Courses will take place at the trades wing at the Quesnel campus, and the expansion work began in 2018. New equipment and spaces in the expansion includes a new high-pressure steam boiler, an expanded computer simulation lab, a new welding lab, atrium, and additional yard space. 

The province contributed $5.5 million for the upgrades, with CNC providing the remaining $1.3 million.

“Training in power engineering 4th class or welding is a valuable entry point for students looking for a long-lasting, good-paying career in the trades,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “The expansion of trade offerings at the College of New Caledonia’s new trades wing will help grow BC’s vital skilled trades workforce and build a stronger BC.”

Power engineering begins in August 2024 and is open to high school graduates or those with equivalent experience, while apprentice welding begins next months and is aimed at apprentices who have an employer sponsor. Applications for both programs are open now.