With an investment from the Provincial Government of
half a million dollars, welding and millwright students at College of
the North Atlantic's Placentia campus will now have a improved learning
environment. A new ventilation system is currently being installed with
an anticipated completion date of mid-November.
"We've spent a great deal of time and money supporting
skilled trades in the province, and it is imperative that students learn
their trade in safe, secure environments," said the Honourable Darin
King, Minister of Education. "Once the new ventilation is installed, the
students can be assured that they can continue their training in a shop
that has a mechanical ventilation system that is second-to-none."
A new ventilation system that reflects national
standards was required in the skilled trades shop to fully meet the
needs of students and faculty in both millwright programs. Work has been
on-going since mid-summer and once complete, 24 modernized booths will
be available to meet the needs of over 100 students.
"The safety of our students is always our first
priority," said Bruce Hollett, President of College of the North
Atlantic. "Not only is it imperative that we provide relevant program
offerings, but that we do so in facilities that are safe. Given the
complex and sophisticated nature of the equipment used in these training
areas, we feel these improvements provide a more secure learning
environment for our students."
"This investment of a half million dollars in the
Placentia college is welcome news," said the Honourable Felix Collins,
MHA for Placentia-St. Mary's. "Better and safer training facilities are
essential for the growth of our skilled trade work force. With the
anticipated growth of industrial development in this province, and in
this region in particular, these improvements enhance the college's
ability to deliver training in skilled trades."
Recognizing the importance of the college and its 17
campuses, the Provincial Government allocated over $100 million in
Budget 2010:
The Right Investments — For Our Children and Our Future
to College of the North Atlantic. Since 2003, the Provincial
Government has invested in a shop modernization program, new
programming, enhanced training for faulty, facility improvements and
infrastructure.
