The construction phase of the College of New Caledonia’s extensive expansion to the trades wing of its Quesnel Campus is on schedule for completion in May 2019.
The $5 million project includes a new high-pressure steam boiler, an expanded computer simulation lab, a new welding lab, a new atrium and additional yard space.
The renovations ensure power-engineering students at the College of New Caledonia will study in state-of-the-art equipment and improved classroom and lab space. The power-engineering certification program at the Quesnel campus sees 16 students graduate every year, who go on to work in areas such as power plants in sawmills, pulp mills and hospitals.
“We are looking forward to the completion of this updated and enlarged facility for students on our Quesnel campus,” said Sonya Spiers, operations manager at CNC Quesnel. “This expansion will provide students with the skills they need for careers in the region and throughout the North.”
Installation of a larger pressure boiler and associated equipment is needed to meet Class 4 power engineering training required by the Power Engineering, Boilers, Pressure Vessel and Refrigeration Safety Regulation under the Safety Standards Act. More than 1,330 job openings for power engineers are expected by 2027.
“This facility expansion will increase the Quesnel campus’ position as a top training destination,” said Frank Rossi, dean of the School of Trades and Technologies. “We are very pleased that the project is running smoothly.”
The expansion project was initially announced in April 2017, encompassing a new high-pressure steam boiler and facility expansion, at a cost of $3.8 million. In May 2018, an additional $1.3 million in funding from the Province of British Columbia was confirmed for the project.