Skills training programs at the College of New Caledonia received another industry boost this week.
TransCanada, currently developing natural gas projects in northern B.C., donated $250,000 to use for bursaries for trades students, region-wide safety-training programs and implementation of the school's Digital Delivery Initiative.
"We are very happy with this agreement with TransCanada which will help to make education and skills training more available to communities across the region and to low-income learners," said CNC president Henry Reiser in a press release.
Of the $250,000, there will be $55,000 alloted for Pathway to Pipeline Readiness initiative bursaries for students enrolled in the Industry Training Authority-recognized trades programs that align with TransCanada's operational needs. These include welding, power engineering, heavy duty mechanic, industrial mechanic, millwright, electrical, carpentry and professional cook.
Safety Training Week, a series of industry certification courses run through CNC, will get $45,000 in sponsorship to help offer the program at minimal cost for students at the college's Burns Lake, Fort St. James, Mackenzie, Vanderhoof and Prince George campuses.
The online Digital Delivery Initiative gets a $150,000 boost.
"Through discussions with local residents, community leaders and Aboriginal groups, we have learned that investment in skills development and long-term education legacy programs are important to northern British Columbians," said Tony Palmer, TransCanada's senior vice president of stakeholder relations, in a press release.
