A new facility will soon be built next to Camosun College’s Coastal Centre in Esquimalt, adjacent to shipbuilder Seaspan’s Victoria Shipyards.
The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation donated $5.26 million in partnership with Seaspan on Wednesday, Oct 30 to build the Trades Training Centre to help train students pursuing careers in the marine trades.
Michelle Brown, director of professional studies and industry training at the Coastal Centre, says the investment will help First Nation members obtain jobs in the marine sector by expanding course offerings and programs as well as job opportunities for students.
“Most of the money will be used to build a two-storey facility with six adaptable shop spaces and new equipment to provide students with a better learning environment," she said
Currently, there are only two classrooms and a laboratory and no space for hands-on training that, according to Brown, is essential in addressing the huge demand for skilled trade workers in Canada's marine sector.”
A total of $200,000 will be allocated toward scholarships aligned with the training centre's “Indigenous First” approach offering support and prioritized access to Indigenous students.
“The college is grateful for the generous support of the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation in conjunction with Seaspan and values the relationship that goes back almost 25 years,” says Lane Trotter, Camosun College president.
Construction of the new facility is expected to begin within two years.
