KAMLOOPS -The B.C. Ministry of Education and the Kamloops/Thompson Board of Education have signed a formal project agreement that clears the way for work to begin on the new $7.4-million trades training centre at NorKam Secondary. This follows confirmation of provincial funding announced in December.

Now that the project agreement has been signed, next steps include design development and seeking contract bids for the construction stage. Those contracts are expected to be awarded this summer with construction of the new centre getting underway later this year. The new trades training centre is scheduled to open in September 2014.

As part of BC's Skills and Training Plan, the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training is providing $1.7 million for the centre. The Ministry of Education is investing $4.6 million and $1.1 million will be provided by the Kamloops/Thompson Board of Education. The new trades centre will increase the trades training capacity of the school by approximately 100 students and provide a mix of skills training in the following areas:

• Mining exploration, development and production

• Entry-level industrial skills

• Refrigeration and air conditioning

• Energy efficient building technology

• Power systems engineering

• Water treatment technology

• Agricultural and siliviculture technology

These programs will complement apprenticeship and skills training programs available to Kamloops high school students through Thompson Rivers University. Students from all 11 secondary schools in the district will be able to attend training programs offered at the centre.

Quotes:

Don McRae, Minister of Education -

"When complete, the NorKam trades and technology training centre will help ensure more Kamloops-area students can get the trades training they need close to home and are first in line to pursue rewarding careers that are increasingly in demand throughout B.C."

Terry Lake, MLA, Kamloops-North Thompson -

"Moving forward with this project, the trades and technology centre at NorKam Secondary will provide students with a great learning environment and ensure they have access to the latest industrial standard equipment. This program is designed to allow students a smooth transition from secondary education to apprenticeships or to continue their training at Thompson Rivers University. One hundred extra students in this program will mean 100 more people trained to work and thrive in the economy of tomorrow."

Denise Harper, chair of Kamloops/Thompson Board of Education -

"The Board of Education is very pleased the project agreement has now been signed. We can now complete the design phase and move on to the construction stage of the NorKam trades and technology centre. The centre will help keep more kids in school and ensure they have additional opportunities to develop high-demand trades and technology skills for their future careers."

Quick Facts:

• The NorKam Secondary Trades and Technology Centre of Excellence is expected to open in September 2014.

• The new trades and technology centre will expand the school's existing skills training areas, which include: woodworking, metal, electronics, and automotive shops, as well as drafting, graphics, photo, computer and media labs.

• The centre will include four skilled trades training shops with specialized equipment and two lecture areas.

• Since 2001, the B.C. government has committed more than $4 billion to school capital and maintenance projects in British Columbia. This includes more than $2.4 billion to complete capital projects, including 96 new and replacement schools, 151 additions, 27 renovations and 25 site acquisitions throughout the province.

Learn More:

BC Jobs Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/

BC Skills and Training Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/skills/bc-skills-and-training-plan/

BC's Education Plan: http://www.bcedplan.ca/

Media Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963