Training workshops, specialized equipment and lecture areas will give secondary school students hands-on learning opportunities for years to come at the $7.4-million NorKam Trades and Technology Centre, which officially opened today.

The centre supports 100 student spaces each year, which will allow students to train in new skills and trades programs not previously offered at NorKam. Students from 10 secondary schools in the district also will be able to attend training programs offered at the centre.

The centre expands 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.

As a separate building beside NorKam Secondary, the centre was funded through a partnership of government, by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and the Kamloops/Thompson board of education. 

There are many new fields where students can learn and train at the new facility:

Construction trades training, including:

• Carpentry
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Construction Craft Worker

Mechanical trades training, including:

• Automotive Service Technician
• Heavy Duty Mechanic
• Motorcycle Technician
• Welding

Trades training for students will continue at Thompson Rivers University, however, the expanded facilities at NorKam will provide additional space and support for students to begin trades and technology training programs under a dual credit transition program to post-secondary studies.

Quotes:

Peter Fassbender, Education Minister −

“The jobs of tomorrow start with today’s leading-edge training. The NorKam Trades and Technology Centre represents a cornerstone investment in trades training, and directly supports our comprehensive strategy, B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint.”

“We need to ensure young British Columbians are first in line to meet job-demand, and that starts with new and innovative learning opportunities, and passion for a career.”

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour -

“We know that to continue to build a diverse, strong and growing economy the future depends on our ability to better prepare our young people for the careers of tomorrow. The NorKam Trades and Technology Centre is one example of the B.C. Skills for Blueprint in action, giving students the skills and confidence they need to succeed on any path they choose to pursue.”

Terry Lake, Kamloops-North Thompson MLA and Minister of Health -

“Through the NorKam Trades and Technology Centre, students in Kamloops can receive hands-on training in a unique learning environment before they graduate. For years to come, this high-tech facility and its staff will provide students with a head-start to their future.”

Denise Harper, chair, Kamloops/Thompson board of education -

“The educational journey of every student in Kamloops is unique. Students now have another place to learn, train and explore their chosen field, and future.”

Alan Shaver, president and vice-chancellor, Thompson Rivers University -

“TRU and school district 73 have a long history of working together to serve the needs of this community. This partnership supports students on their pathway from high school to post-secondary school training, so they can pursue a career in the trades and high-tech fields.”

Gary Herman, CEO, Industry Training Authority -

“We are proud to have contributed to the funding of the Norkam Trades and Technology Centre.  The centre will provide young people with the chance to explore the skilled trades as a career option and be first in line for the many opportunities coming our way across the province. We look forward to seeing what these talented and driven youth can achieve with the programs and tools available at the centre.”

Quick Facts:

• Funding for the $7.4 million NorKam Trades and Technology Centre is supported through a partnership of:
• $4.6 million from the Ministry of Education;
• $1.7 million from the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour; and
• $1.1 million was provided by the Kamloops-Thompson board of education.
• B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint is re-engineering the province’s education and training systems - from kindergarten through to post-secondary training and beyond - to ensure students have a full range of training options.
• With one million job openings expected in B.C. by 2022, the Blueprint focuses on shifting toward a data-driven labour market planning model so training dollars and programs are aligned with in-demand jobs, now and in the future.
• By connecting British Columbians with on-the-job and classroom training, the Blueprint ensures they are first in line for those opportunities while making it easier for employers to hire the skilled workers they need, when and where they need them to keep B.C. diverse, strong and growing.
• Government continues to invest more than $94 million annually through the Industry Training Authority, which leads and co-ordinates B.C.’s skilled trades system.

Learn More:

Kamloops/Thompson school district (SD 73): www.sd73.bc.ca

Kamloops/Thompson school district trades website: http://tnt.sd73.bc.ca

B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: https://www.workbc.ca/skills

BC Jobs Plan: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/

Thompson Rivers University’s trades program: http://www.tru.ca/trades.html

Industry Training Authority: http://www.itabc.ca/

Media Contacts:

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