Trades trailers at NVIT (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Connor Gunn

TRADES TRAILERS

Province gives $3.4-million to NVIT to provide remote trades training through trailer classrooms

Aug 25, 2022 | 4:58 PM

KAMLOOPS — At the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) on Thursday, trades-centered funding was announced to benefit Indigenous students in the area.

“We are investing $3.4 million to NVIT to purchase and operate mobile training units that will deliver healthcare and technology training in remote communities,” said Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training Anne Kang.

This funding goes towards portable 53-foot classrooms on wheels. Two trailers set up at NVIT can move to different communities for training.

NVIT’S Dean of Trades and Technology Brandon Williams hopes these trailers will inspire people to get into trades.

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“The wages that they’re paying now for skilled people are good wages and are certainly on par with some professionals and — that’s what we hope to do — encourage students to consider trades.”

Seven training trailers in total will be offered and the goal is to allow everyone access to education no matter the circumstances.

“Some of our people are stuck in isolated living situations where they want to learn and they want to build careers but they can’t leave home. Now with these mobile learning centres we’re going to bring learning to the communities,” says Kukpi7 Stuart Jackson, Lower Nicola Indian Band Chief.

Inclusion was the focal point of the announcement creating unique learning opportunities for all.

“NVIT has set the standard for inclusive and accessible education and one program that stands out is the Bridging to Trades program which provides trades training opportunities in rural and remote communities through a mobile classroom,'” Kang adds.

“We’re bringing the academia back into the community now so everyone is getting a clear, fair, equitable chance of finding a career that can change their quality of life,” Jackson says.

People in rural communities may see the trailers rolling in soon.