Did You Know?

The East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook recently underwent a $20 million intensive care unit expansion and electrical system upgrade. Underway is the construction of a new $5.6-million MRI.

$10 million trades training facility nearing completion

College of the Rockies is working to address the need for more skilled tradespeople

The new trades building at College of the Rockies will be open for classes in August 2018.

Improvements at post-secondary institutions are key to future proofing the talent of tomorrow. Cranbrook’s College of the Rockies (COTR) is an outstanding example of an institution that is working strategically to meet the needs of its students, the region and industry partners.

Almost complete is COTR’s $10 million trades facility. This building provides spaces designed specifically for the electrical and millwright students, who currently receive their training via the Gold Creek campus. It also has an engine lab for the heavy-duty equipment mechanic and automotive service technician programs.

The aforementioned trades, along with carpenters and welders, are in high demand.

It’s not just about producing more tradespeople, but ensuring that those who enter the workforce are trained on the very latest technologies as well.

“Students now get to train in a state-of-the-art facility, purpose-built for the most relevant training possible, said Jack Moes, dean of trades and technology, to Kootenay Business magazine. “We’re really excited about how we’ll be better able to organize and use the equipment we have for learning, and also to accommodate new technology as the programs evolve.”

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