CNC President Henry Reiser  points out  features of new facility to student Connor Cameron – photos 250News

Prince George, B.C.- The College of New Caledonia  will soon see construction  start on a new  heavy  mechanical trades training facility.

The  new facility,  to be built on the east side of the  Prince George campus,  will   replace  an existing building  and  leased facilities.  The 2,326 square metre  facility will  accommodate 251  existing full time  equivalent  students, and up to 48 new FTEs in the heavy-duty equipment technician truck and transport mechanics program.  That’s a capacity increase of nearly 20%.

The  facility will cost $15 million,   and  has the Province and Federal  Government each contributing $6.9 million.   the $1.2 million dollar balance will be  covered by the college and private  investment.

Student Connor Cameron is  thrilled with the  plan “Not only will  this  benefit the students currently enrolled in this program,  but it will open the doors, big doors,  for  other students and staff.  We work with  large  tools, equipment   and heavy machinery that is five times the size of the average vehicle.  Having space to  manoeuver without disrupting others, and to be able to   handle multiple pieces of  equipment in the shop at the same time, will boost efficiency and keep everyone busy.”  He says the  new technology that will be part of this  project will mean students can work on newer models  and a variety of types of  equipment will also  be  a benefit “The more exposure we, as students, get to  equipment, the more likely we are to be successful in the work force.”

He says the  new facility will mean  students will be prepared to  handle   equipment  from mining to farming,   forestry  to transportation, “You never know what will come through those bay doors.”

To be built to LEED Gold  certification,  CNC President  Henry Reiser says the new facility will be much more energy efficient, and that will help the college meet its carbon-neutral objective.

The construction is expected to start soon   with a completion date of  Spring  of 2018.