BCIT is pleased to announce Canadian Industrial Mills Services (CIMS) and Ideal Welders Ltd.'s donations of $100,000 to the Institute to support the development of the new Trades and Technology Complex.
In recognition of the extraordinary partnerships with CIMS and Ideal Welders and to celebrate their transformative gifts, BCIT Foundation hosted an event honouring the two industry leaders and their commitment to the BCIT INSPIRE Campaign.
Their gifts will help fund the new $33 million BCIT Trades and Technology Complex. Once completed, the Complex will provide hundreds of new full-time student spots annually to address the growing demand for skilled trades professionals in BC over the next decade. The Complex will feature leading-edge learning tools, advanced technology, and revitalized spaces designed to foster integrated learning and simulate real-world environments, supporting innovation in skilled trades, engineering, applied learning, and research.
Industry impacting the future of trades through philanthropic giving
These generous contributions underscore the importance of industry involvement in advancing trades education. CIMS and Ideal Welders' gifts are helping bring BCIT's vision to life by empowering people, inspiring progress, and shaping the workforce of BC.
A special thank you to Jim Longo, founder of Ideal Welders, John McLaughlin, founder of CIMS, and members of the CIMS and Ideal Welders' teams for helping shape the future of trades.
Dr. Jeff Zabudsky, President, BCIT
"Bold initiatives like the Trades and Technology Complex are made possible through the generosity of donors like CIMS and Ideal Welders. Their commitment to educational excellence ensures our learners are set up for success to meet the labour needs of today and the future."
Dr. Guido Wimmers, Dean, BCIT School of Construction and the Environment
"As trades leaders in North America, CIMS and Ideal Welders understand the value of investing back into the industry and paving the way forward. Their contribution is instrumental in shaping the future of BCIT students and trades education in BC."
Jim Longo, Founder, Ideal Welders
"As a proud BCIT alumnus, I'm honoured to be here today and support the school that's helped me along my trades journey. It is gratifying to give back to the Institution that helped me build my career and to support the students who will become the next leaders in trades."
John McLaughlin, Founder, CIMS
"It's an incredible feeling to be giving back to the very place where I discovered my passion for trades. I feel extremely proud to be able to support the next generation of students and invest in the BCIT community and in industry."
For more information
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