The idea to build a trades training centre at the former Rustad mill site in Prince George, British Columbia may no longer be in the works.

Canfor and BID Construction were working on a proposal to convert portions of the former Rustad mill site into a trades training centre.

The hope was that a skilled trade training centre would train new workers and allow current workers to upgrade their skills.

Originally Canfor and BID had hoped to start training students in January 2013.  Canfor and BID expected the land and buildings donated to the training centre would be valued at more than $10 million.  They said they needed a matching contribution of $10 million from the government to renovate the buildings to make education and instruction on the site possible.

British Columbia’s Minister for Jobs, Tourism, and Skills Training, Pat Bell, said an assessment is underway to see what post-secondary schools in the North require for facilities.

“The College of New Caledonia is looking at what their space requirements might be. There are some gaps that are necessary, particularly in the heavy duty mechanics program. Other areas there have been significant investments by this government in trades training facilities.”

Read more:
Trades Training Centre May Not Go Ahead (HQ Prince George)
Rustad Training Centre (Canfor’s CEO Don Kayne’s Blog)