Construction starts on new trades centre at TRU

Feb. 10, 2017 – Ground was officially broken yesterday to mark the start of construction for the new $30-million Industrial Training and Technology Centre at Thompson Rivers University (TRU).

The 5,344-square-metre centre will allow the university to expand its trades and technology programs by an additional 550 full-time equivalent student spaces (FTEs), for a total of approximately 2,142 FTEs. The renovated space in the School of Trades and Technology Building will be used by the architectural and engineering technology program.

The Government of Canada contributed $13.25 million and the B.C. Ministry of Advanced Education provided $7.03 million toward the $30-million cost of the project. TRU and donors, including Western Economic Diversification Canada, contributed an additional $9.72 million.

“This new facility will enable Thompson Rivers University to co-locate trades and technology programs, a move that supports our university’s contribution of relevant education and research to various industry sectors in Canada,” said Alan Shaver, university president. “Because we have an excellent working knowledge of the skill sets that local industries and employers need to sustain their businesses, TRU can provide the education for the rewarding careers our students deserve in the trades and technology sectors.”

Completion is expected in spring 2018 with occupancy in the fall of the same year. Construction of the new centre is expected to generate 108 direct and 82 indirect jobs for the region.

“The new Industrial Training and Technology Centre will give students the skills to be first in line for in-demand careers in the trades. Because we have built a strong and growing economy, we’re able to make significant investments in our future at post-secondary institutions throughout the province,” added B.C. premier Christy Clark.

Currently, there are more than 1,500 seats in construction trades, mechanical trades, industrial electrician and industrial instrumentation technology programs at TRU.