A feasibility study for turning the old Rustad sawmill into a trade school should begin soon and be completed in about a month's time, Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Pat Bell said Monday.
Further details will be made public this week, Bell said, but added it will involve a review of existing capacity at northern B.C. colleges that should be completed in two to four weeks.
"Until we know where the shortfalls may be, it would be inappropriate to start thinking about additional trades facilities," Bell said. "We need to know exactly what shortfalls exists."
Bell added that "we know pretty well what capacity we have, where is the utilization, but the other piece of the equation is what the demand is out there and we've got some pretty good information but we need to put that all together."
Cariboo-Prince George MP Dick Harris noted the federal and provincial governments have worked together in the past to fund major capital projects at the College of New Caledonia - notably the new technical education centre at the Prince George campus.
"We're going to continue to do that, but it always has to be part of a real solid strategy," Harris said. "When you say the demand is for increased skills training, the question is how do we provide it, what's the business plan for and who's best to deliver it because the taxpayers always deserve to get the very best for their tax dollars."
Officially closed since December, the sawmill site is now being touted as a home for a new trade school. Canfor is offering up the site in exchange for a $10 million grant to develop the school.
The BID Group, Lomak Bulk Carriers and Enbridge are also among the companies who are behind the project and Prince George city council has provided a letter of support.
Proponents have stressed the intent is to add to the programs colleges are already providing but also say a shortage of skilled labour is looming.
The hope is to have the school up and running by January 2013.
"On something as important as skills training, you don't want to just go with one off situations and then you have to start fresh again," Harris said. "Everything should be in a strategy where you're looking years ahead for the training to continue and bear fruit."
