BC Ferries donates crane truck to train Camosun students
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June 22, 2010
The 1992 Western Star flat-deck truck donated to Camosun's Heavy Duty/Commercial Transport Mechanics program.
BC Ferries supportive of trades
“BC Ferries is very supportive of education in the trades discipline so we are pleased to donate our decommissioned crane truck to Camosun College for training purposes,” says Mark Collins, BC Ferries’ Vice President of Engineering and Terminal Construction. “The students currently enrolled in the program today could potentially join our terminal maintenance workforce in the future.”
Camosun alumnus arranges donation
BC Ferries Automotive Manager Chris Clements-Currie in the Heavy Duty automotive program in 1982
For BC Ferries Automotive Manager Chris Clements-Currier, it was a chance notice of a newspaper article that inspired him to arrange the donation of the vehicle valued at $40,000.
“I read the Times Colonist one morning and noticed Camosun College had just received a donated vehicle for their Heavy Duty automotive program,” explains Clements-Currier. “My son is coincidentally taking Heavy Duty Mechanics and I am also an alumnus of the College. BC Ferries was getting a new crane truck this year, and I thought Camosun might be able to use our older truck for training purposes.”
Students to study truck’s hydraulic and electrical systems
The 1992 Western Star flat-deck truck holds a National 600B crane and under-frame winch. Crane trucks are used to deliver and relocate heavy goods and materials. A similar brand new truck is estimated to cost $250,000.
Retired Heavy Duty Instructor Ray Howard (l), BC Ferries Automotive Manager Chris Clements-Currier (r), Chris' son & Heavy Duty Mechanic student (centre)
“This vehicle is very important as it will be used to assist in the practical training of our Heavy Duty/Commercial Transport Mechanic Foundation students on a variety of vehicle systems,” says Heavy Duty Mechanic Program Leader Norm Dishkin. “They’ll study its engine, transmission, differential and brakes. The hydraulic crane has an impressive 70-foot reach and both a hydraulic and electronic load cell system, as well as a winch, so we can also utilize it to move large equipment around the campus and pull engines out of other vehicles and deliver them for repair. Other students in Carpentry, Plumbing and Pipe Trades will also benefit from having the availability of a mobile crane to train on.”
Camosun’s 10-month Heavy Duty/Commercial Transport Mechanics Foundation program trains 18 students per year. Graduates are proficient in the service and maintenance of on- and off-highway vehicles including buses, trucks, loaders, tractors and more. They gain practical skills in electrical and hydraulic systems, air and hydraulic brakes, power trains and engine systems. The program includes on-the-job work experience and graduates are eligible for credit toward an apprenticeship program.
Largest single equipment donation to Heavy Duty program
“We are thrilled to receive this generous donation from BC Ferries,” says Ray Fischer, Camosun’s Chair of Mechanical and Metal Trades. “This is the largest single donation of equipment to the College’s Heavy Duty Mechanics program over the last 30 years.”
Contact
Michelle Tinis
Marketing/Communications
Camosun College Foundation
tinis@camosun.bc.ca
Last updated: June 23, 2010 10:47 am
