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.
About College of the Rockies
For more than 40 years, College of the Rockies has provided post-secondary education that meets the needs and aspirations of the people, industry and businesses of our region.
Each year, we deliver instruction to approximately 10,000 learners, in a full range of programs, including: skilled trades, university studies, adult upgrading, early childhood education, health and human services, business, office administration, tourism and recreation, fire services, continuing education and general community interest.
Though our breadth of programs is wide, we strive to deliver the most personal student experience possible. Through smaller class sizes, highly-personalized instruction and dedicated support services, our students are primed to succeed in the job market, or in the next stage of their academic journey.
About Teck
Teck is a diversified resource company committed to responsible mining and mineral development with major business units focused on copper, steelmaking coal, zinc and energy. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, its shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols TECK.A and TECK.B and the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TECK. Learn more about Teck at www.teck.com or follow @TeckResources.
Teck media contact:
Nic Milligan
Manager, Social Responsibility
250.425.3335
nic.milligan@teck.com
College of the Rockies media contact:
Erin Gawne
Executive Director, Communications and Marketing
250-489-8217
egawne@cotr.bc.ca