OK College enhances trade program

Okanagan College has changes in store for its Trades and Apprenticeship Program.

In January of 2014, Steve Moores will take over as the Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship.

Moores has spent nearly three decades working in education as an instructor, program chair and associate dean during his 23-year tenure at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT).

“I am excited to contribute to the College’s agenda,“ said Moores. "Specifically along the lines of working with industry, First Nations and the ITA to promote the future of trades training to meet the needs of this region and beyond.”

Canada is expected to see a shortage of skilled workers in the coming years. According to Statistics Canada, a number of skilled-trade professions could face labour shortage as fewer young adults obtain trades certificates to replace the preceding generation.

The federal government has noted that the construction sector alone will require 319,000 new workers over the next seven years.

“[Moores’] experience and qualifications combined with his vision for the future of Trades training are going to make him a huge asset to our College and community,” said Dr. Andrew Hay, Vice President Education. “He is coming to us at a time when we have great opportunities to deliver innovative and practical solutions to meet the needs of our region, province and country.”

Moores’ introduction as Dean comes as the college moves ahead with construction of the new Trades Training Complex - a $33 million project to renovate and expand their current facility.

The innovative and environmentally sustainable facility, to be completed in the spring of 2016, is expected to be the largest trades training centre between the Lower Mainland and Calgary, providing space for more than 2,400 students.

OK College offers trades programs in aircraft maintenance, culinary arts, construction, electrical, and welding among other disciplines.