Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is offering skills training to a group of construction workers helping build a new hospital next to the KPU Tech campus in Cloverdale.
EllisDon is building a new hospital and cancer centre in Cloverdale, across from the KPU Tech campus (foreground).
In a unique partnership with EllisDon, KPU is offering Construction Craft Worker training for a class of 16 employees from the construction services company, which is designing and building a new state-of-the-art hospital and cancer centre for Surrey.
"Students gain recognized credentials, enhance their skills and build pathways to advancement. Through this partnership with EllisDon, we're building talent, strengthening careers and shaping the future of construction in British Columbia," says Laura McDonald, Dean of the Faculty of Trades and Technology at KPU.
The workers began attending KPU this summer as part of the apprenticeship program, which offers eight weeks of on-campus instruction over two years, in addition to on-the-job training.
"EllisDon gains formally trained professionals who uphold the highest standards while showing their commitment to upskilling and retaining their employees in a competitive market. At the same time, KPU is providing students with training that aligns with SkilledTradesBC standards and exposure to future trades training opportunities in a post-secondary learning environment," says McDonald.
"Investing in the upskilling and registration of 16 current employees into a Level 1 apprenticeship program has proven to be a valuable initiative," says Stephanie Morand, Community Engagement Manager at EllisDon. "The collaboration with KPU on this program has provided significant benefits ultimately contributing to the professional development of our employees and the overall success of the organization."
Construction Craft Worker is a nationally-designated red seal trade program that trains labourers for the construction industry performing work such as setting up and taking down construction sites, and collaborating with other tradespeople to build, maintain and remove structures.
