Image Credit: TRU supplied - TRU Dean of Trades and Technology Baldev Pooni

By Dave Barry

Trades Training

New Gold mine announce major investment in support of women entering trades

Dec 17, 2021 | 8:07 AM

KAMLOOPS – New Gold is donating $150,000 to support women looking to take courses in trades at Thompson Rivers University.

The money will be used to conduct extensive renovations at TRU to develop the New Gold Women in Trades and Technology Resource Centre (WITT). In addition, New Gold has endowed $50,000 to fund a new busary which will be award on a yearly basis to deserving women who are pursuing trades training.

“One of our core values is People and Communities and we strengthen our team by embracing diversity and inclusiveness,” said John Ritter, general manager at New Gold’s New Afton Mine east of Kamloops. “Our partnership with TRU and the donation to the TRU Women in Trades Training program are aligned with our vision to strengthen our team with a diverse, inclusive and empowered workforce.”

TRU says the Trades and Technology Resource Centre will serve several purposes, including a communal gathering place and flexible teaching space with upgraded technology. It will include a private meeting room, an office for the WITT program co-ordinator, and safe and secure access to the resource centre for students.

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“Investing in diversity in trades programs has a strong impact at TRU. The funding from New Gold further enhances our efforts and initiatives to increase gender diversity among skilled tradespeople. We are seeing more women completing their Red Seal certification and pursuing leadership roles,” said Dean of the School of Trades and Technology Baldev Pooni.

The New Gold Women in Trades Resource Centre will open next year when renovations are complete. The bursary will be awarded for the first time in the spring of 2022.