A new high pressure steam boiler and facility expansion at the College of New Caledonia (CNC) in Quesnel will give power engineering students access to state-of-the-art equipment as well as more classroom and lab spaces.

The Province of British Columbia will provide up to $3.8 million for the new high-pressure steam boiler and expansion to meet the demands for the power engineering certification program and ensure the program meets safety and training requirements.

“When we can help students in their own community have access to the best equipment and space for learning, we all win,” said Coralee Oakes, MLA for Cariboo North, on behalf of Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson, during a visit to the Quesnel campus. “Up to one million job openings are expected in B.C. by 2025 and eight of 10 of these openings will require post-secondary education including trades such as power engineering.”

(flickr.com)

The power engineering certification program at the Quesnel campus of CNC graduates 16 students each year who go on to work in areas such as power plants in sawmills, pulp mills, hospitals and refineries.

“This new funding for CNC is much needed for our students to learn with up-to-date equipment,” said Henry Reiser, president of CNC. “Ensuring our students graduate with the tools they need to succeed in the work force gives them a leg up on competition for jobs.”

Since 2001, a total of almost $65 million in capital funding has been announced at CNC. These include the Heavy Duty Mechanics Facility and expansion of John A. Brink Trades & Technology Centre in Prince George.

“I have been working as a geotech driller out of town for the past 15 years,” said Shawn Goodwin, fourth class power engineering student at CNC. “I came back to Quesnel specifically for the power engineering program at CNC Quesnel. This is a very exciting opportunity for our campus and for anyone who is interested in progressing in this field.”

The B.C. government is making record investments in modern, safe infrastructure projects throughout the province – and these construction projects are creating high-paying, family-supporting jobs. These investments are possible because of the strong fiscal plan of the B.C. government.