A new facility will soon be built next to Camosun CollegeB次元官网网址檚 Coastal Centre in Esquimalt, adjacent to shipbuilder SeaspanB次元官网网址檚 Victoria Shipyards.

The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation donated $5.26 million in partnership with Seaspan on Wednesday, Oct 30 to build the Trades Training Centre to help train students pursuing careers in the marine trades.

Michelle Brown, director of professional studies and industry training at the Coastal Centre, says the investment will help First Nation members obtain jobs in the marine sector by expanding course offerings and programs as well as job opportunities for students.

B次元官网网址淢ost of the money will be used to build a two-storey facility with six adaptable shop spaces and new equipment to provide students with a better learning environment," she said

Currently, there are only two classrooms and a laboratory and no space for hands-on training that, according to Brown, is essential in addressing the huge demand for skilled trade workers in Canada's marine sector.B次元官网网址�

A total of $200,000 will be allocated toward scholarships aligned with the training centre's B次元官网网址淚ndigenous FirstB次元官网网址� approach offering support and prioritized access to Indigenous students.

B次元官网网址淭he college is grateful for the generous support of the in conjunction with Seaspan and values the relationship that goes back almost 25 years,B次元官网网址� says Lane Trotter, Camosun College president.

Construction of the new facility is expected to begin within two years.