Federal government, industry invests in trades training and applied research at Camosun

Camosun’s trades programs and applied research services are getting a boost, thanks to a major investment by Western Economic Diversification Canada and the donation of a new ship’s engine from industry partner Wärtsilä Canada.

On January 22, the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced $2.56 million in federal funding to help Camosun purchase essential new teaching equipment for the college’s marine, mechanical and metal trades programs and to enhance infrastructure and facilities for applied research and innovation.

Wärtsilä Canada, a worldwide leader in the marine and energy industry, also announced the donation of a modern 19-ton ship’s engine valued at over $850,000 to Camosun for teaching purposes.

“As a college, we specialize in many areas, but I’m proud to say, we are the largest educator of skilled trades workers on Vancouver Island,” said Tom Roemer, Vice President of Strategic Development for Camosun. “And we are a leader in applied research and innovation – providing technical and innovative solutions to real business challenges for our local industry partners – including prototyping, design, consultation and research.”

“To be a college of excellence, for both our students and industry, we need to provide the best service, education and training equipment possible,” Roemer added. “This funding and equipment support will go a long way to help us deliver that in our new Centre for Trades Education and Innovation, now under construction at Interurban campus.”

“Over the last year, our Government’s Shipbuilding Action Plan has helped contribute to the thriving and competitive shipbuilding industry in Western Canada,” said Minister Yelich. “Today’s investment supports our Plan by ensuring that Canadians have the skills needed to address the demand for 30,000 skilled workers in the shipbuilding, repair and resource industries.”

“We at Wärtsilä Canada are pleased to do everything possible to support higher education and to build a strong partnership with marine institutions that will serve excellence,” said Mark Keneford, Senior Account Manager Ship Power, Managing Director Wärtsilä Canada, Inc. “We are honoured that generations of students will be able to get hands-on experience with our donation of a modern ship’s engine. Our future maritime leaders need to keep pace with the latest in marine industry technology.”

Camosun delivers high quality training to over 2,500 students in more than 20 trades foundation and apprenticeship programs each year. Camosun’s job-ready trades graduates are integral to the economic health of the region. Over 90 per cent of Camosun’s trades alumni are successfully working in their fields.

The college’s new Centre for Trades Education and Innovation has been funded by the Province of BC with support from Western Economic Diversification Canada and industry partners like Wärtsilä Canada. Phase one of the construction is now underway at Interurban campus.

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