The Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) is building a new trades facility for Aboriginal students in Merritt, B.C. The development, part of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, will allow students to receive training for work in the natural gas industry and other sectors.

Funding for the $1.8-million development, slated to open in 2016, will be provided by the Government of British Columbia ($1.5-million) and the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology ($300,000).

“The future is bright for Aboriginal students and we want to make sure they have the necessary training to acquire the skills needed for jobs,” says Ken Tourand, Nicola Valley Institute of Technology president. “This new trades facility at NVIT will be a great addition to the campus, for the community of Merritt and will be a solid investment in the future of students from across the province who attend this great institution.”

Spanning approximately 7,212 square feet, the new trades facility will help to ensure that there are enough qualified workers for the province’s growing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) sector. The development will also create space for an additional 40 electrical, plumbing and piping foundation students on an annual basis.

Construction is scheduled to begin later this year.

Photo credit: Flickr/Government of British Columbia