By Vanessa Ybarra

Baby boomer retirement leading to trade boom

Jan 20, 2017 | 4:06 PM

KAMLOOPS — Admission numbers show trades have never been more popular at Thompson Rivers University.

“We have probably grown 10 to 15% in the last few years,” said Baldev Pooni, Interim Dean for TRU School of Trades and Technology.

The Kinder Morgan Expansion Project, as well the proposed Ajax Mine, is one of numerous Interior projects expected to open up job opportunities for TRU trade graduates in the coming years.

“The type of workers they need are in areas like carpentry, heavy duty mechanics, pipe-fitters, and electricians, among others” said Pooni. “All of that is new job prospects in the community that wasn’t there otherwise, so it will certainly create demand.”

SOUND OFF

SOUND OFF: Strengthening our wildfire training

7h ago

ARMCHAIR MAYOR

ROTHENBURGER: City caught flat-footed with sale of The Loop drop-in property

12h ago

The Tattle of Hastings

THE TATTLE OF HASTINGS: The Pearl of Schubert Drive

23h ago

More than 1,500 students are currently enrolled in TRU’s School of Trades and Technology, with 17 programs offered at the campus. 

While projects like Kinder Morgan are expected to increase hiring demand, Pooni says boomer retirees are the driving force in trade growth. 

“There’s significant numbers retiring now,” added Pooni. “I think the recession of 2008 put a bit of a hold on some people retiring. There was a bit of a delay and now we’re seeing people coming to retire.”

Domar pulp mill has hired more than 70 new workers in the past two years.

“All of these new hires are driven primarily by employee retirement,” said Bonny Skene, Domtar Regional Public Affairs Manager. “From hourly positions to maintenance trade roles to salary roles, it’s quite varied across the operation.”

Skene says TRU’s new building expansion, the campus building an adjoining facility where it will offer expanded instrumentation and mill wright programs as of September 2018, will provide even more relief for vacancies expected in those areas in the next few years.

“Those are our areas of need for the mill,” said Skene. “We’ve been pleased to work with TRU to expand their program.”

With Domtar one of numerous Interior companies providing four-year apprenticeship programs for TRU students, Baldev says graduates are equipped and ready to go to work the minute a project breaks ground.

“This is attracting students focused on having a meaningful career,” said Pooni. “They want employment in the end, first and foremost. Through that, we’re building the economic viability of the region.”