North West Regional College has announced a new Plumbing and Pipefitting program in Meadow Lake.
According to a press release, NWRC joined forces with RobWel Constructors Limited Partnership and Northern Career Quest to deliver a pre-employment plumbing and pipefitting program addressing a skilled worker shortage within the industry. The 17-week applied certificate program, accredited by Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology, provides knowledge and skill development in plumbing installation, water supplies, waste systems and plumbing fixtures.
Tavia Laliberte, NWRC president and CEO, said, "Partnerships such as this allow us to work collaboratively with business and industry to provide greater opportunities for our students."
NWRC will have the overall responsibility for the program co-ordination and have invested over $45,000.
"We are eager to begin these partnerships so we can contribute to the growth and development of the aboriginal workforce to meet the needs of our industry," said Ty Rutzki, president and CEO of RobWel.
RobWel has invested over $70,000 in renovations to their worksite to accommodate this program. RobWel will also ensure all students have the opportunity to visit at least one of the RobWel's worksites, the press release states.
Northern Career Quest will invest up to $185,208 to support aboriginal students by providing funding for program delivery, tuition, books and equipment.
Kevin Doherty, minister of Advanced Education with the Government of Saskatchewan, said, "This is a great example of how our post-secondary institutions and business communities can work together to provide skilled graduates that businesses and industry need."
The program will be delivered in Meadow Lake on site at the RobWel shop. The program will run from Aug. 21 to Dec. 19. Applications are currently being accepted. For more information, visit NWRC at www.nwrc.sk.ca, RobWel at www.robwel.ca and Northern Career Quest at www.northerncareerquest.com.
