The Squamish Nation has expanded its Trades and Training Centre by 50 per cent to 12,000 square feet.
A $1-million cash injection from Western Economic Diversification Canada has doubled the number of classrooms from two to four and added a third general construction workshop to the existing plumbing and carpentry shops.
“We are another step closer to our goal of becoming an accredited non-profit post secondary institution, recognised by the Industry Training Authority (ITA) of BC,” said Paul Wick, Squamish Nation director of education employment and training, in a news release.
“We have expanded our range of program offerings from an exclusive focus on trades to other non-vocational occupations, like office administration assistant,” says Tracy Mitchell, manager of employment and training, in the release.
“We have also moved into virtual learning.”
In 2017 to 2018, the training centre ran 13 programs with 200 students.
Approximately, 120 students got jobs as a result or returned to school for further education.
“We are seeing the positive impact our training centre is having on youth and older Squamish Nation members from age 17 to 70, who have participated in training,” says Squamish Nation co-chair, Coun. Joshua Joseph in the release.
“The training for our people leads to meaningful jobs that strengthen our community.”
