Teck Donates $1 Million to College of the Rockies
Investment in facilities and student scholarships boosts regional trades training
College of the Rockies students throughout the region will benefit from improved access to training, and enhanced opportunity to benefit from the region’s mining industry, thanks to a $1 million donation from Teck.
The $1 million donation will go towards the following:
- $800,000 will support construction of the new trades training facility at College of the Rockies’ Cranbrook campus
- $100,000 will go to revitalization of the Fernie campus
- $100,000 will be used to establish a scholarship fund for trades students
"By investing in College of the Rockies, Teck is investing in the success of our region’s students, economy and communities,” says College of the Rockies President and CEO David Walls. “Trades careers are in high-demand and we are now better prepared than ever to help our students achieve their career goals locally.”
“Supporting new and upgraded training facilities and scholarships will help ensure students in the region have the skills they need to access the jobs and opportunities generated by local resource development,” said Robin Sheremeta, Senior Vice President, Coal, Teck. “This investment will help to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in the mining industry, while also strengthening the economy of the East Kootenay region.”
Scholarships made available by Teck’s donation will be awarded to eligible Heavy Duty Mechanic and Electrical foundation students at College of the Rockies. A total of six $2,000 scholarships will be awarded each year until the fund is depleted. Of the scholarships, two per year will be awarded to female students, and two will be awarded to Ktunaxa Nation members. These scholarships will be awarded using criteria established by the College, in consultation with a representative from Teck. Details of the scholarships, once established, will be found on the College’s financial aid website.
Teck’s donation to the new trades building adds to funding provided by the provincial and federal governments, Columbia Basin Trust, and College of the Rockies. The new, purpose-built trades facility will house the Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) and Electrical programs, with four classrooms, three work bays and an electrical concepts lab for hands-on wiring practice. Construction of the new trades training facility is on schedule, with classes scheduled to begin in the new facility in early August. A Grand Opening celebration is being planned for Fall 2018.
Renovations to the Fernie campus will be planned based on recommendations in the new Campus Master Plan, including an outdoor student space and other upgrades to enhance the learning environment.