College of the Rockies offers program for displaced workers

COTR is launching a program aimed at assisting displaced workers from the Canal Flats mill, Target store and other industries.

Heavy Duty Mechanics is one trade that participants will get a taste of in College of the Rockies’ Trades Exploration program. — Photo courtesy COTR

College of the Rockies is launching a program aimed at assisting displaced workers from the Canal Flats mill, Target store and other industries in the region.

Trades Exploration is a 15-week program, funded in part by the Ministry of Advanced Education.  The goal is to allow participants to explore several heavy trades, complete any necessary upgrading and obtain industry-required safety certifications.

At the completion of the program, students should have a better idea of which trades they are most suited for and be prepared to enter full-time foundation or apprenticeship training with the College.

Participants in the program will take part in approximately two weeks of training in each of the following areas: Carpentry, Industrial Mechanic (Millwright), Welding, Electrical, Heavy Duty Mechanic and Piping Trades (plumbing, steamfitter/pipefitter).  An introduction to Heavy Equipment Operation, using the College’s simulator, will be included along with industry safety tickets like H2S, Standard First Aid, Construction Safety Training Systems, Fall Protection and Confined Space Entry.

During the first week of training, students will be assessed to determine if they require upgrading in English or trades math.  If needed, upgrading assistance will be provided two mornings per week to help students achieve the prerequisites needed for the trades program of their choice.

Resume and interview skills will also be covered for those wishing to transition from the program directly into employment.

“While we have been delivering trades discovery programs in Golden and Invermere for several years, this is the first time a trades exploration and upgrading program has been offered in Cranbrook in over a decade,” says College of the Rockies Director of Continuing Education, Contract Training and Regional Campus Operations, Leah Bradish.  “This is an exciting new hybrid program that will provide students with access to high-quality instructors from our full-time trades programs as well as our full-scale shop space.”

The Trades Exploration program will run April 4 through July 15 with a tuition cost of $1995.  Registration deadline is March 21 and seats are limited.  For further information or to sign up, contact Rachel at (250) 489-2751 ext. 3359 or [email protected]