The campaign to convert the old Rustad sawmill into a trades training school is continuing.
Christine Kennedy, communications director for Canfor, one of the initiative's two leading proponents, said this week she has met with senior officials at the province's Ministry of Advanced Education to walk them through the proposal.
She said the intent is to add to the programs northern B.C. colleges are already providing.
"We're not looking to duplicate anything they are doing, simply to provide additional capacity and programs that aren't in the North right now," Kennedy said.
Canfor and BID Group are seeking $10 million from the provincial government - a matching contribution equal to the value of the land and buildings at the site, which was closed permanently as a sawmill in early December.
College of New Caledonia (CNC) communications director Randall Heidt has raised a concern that with the college facing a $2.3 million budget shortfall, it will lack the resources to look at the project closely.
Kennedy said she hopes the provincial government will provide the funding if its willing to move forward.
She also remains hopeful the first students will start classes by January 2013.
"It wouldn't be a full opening," Kennedy said. "We would intend to open some programs there if we can move this program forward quickly enough."
Asked about possible programs, Kennedy noted there is no location for the province's saw filing program and there is a strong demand for skilled trades that apply to forestry, mining and oil and gas, such as electricians and heavy duty mechanics.
"We've been contacted now by probably five or six different organizations that are interested in locating training at that site, so it's just starting to build now," she added.
Next steps include lobbying the federal government for funding to both renovate the site and provide training. Other private sector supporters are also being sought.
