NorKam Trades Centre finally open

KAMLOOPS – After months of delays the new trades centre at NorKam Secondary School is finally open and so far the programs are surpassing expectations.

School District 73 district principal Sheryl Lindquist says the 18 students who made the cut — more than 100 initially applied — are working hard and loving the course.

“Students who live as far as Barnhartvale are saying they love to get up and go to school in the morning,” she says. “And the instructors love teaching such eager students.”

The courses, which are samplers of mechanical and construction, are both full and Lundquist has been busy giving presentations about the trades centre and other options at high schools across the city.

The Trades and Technology Centre was set to open at the beginning of the school year but construction delays led the district to postponing classes until the second semester began on Feb. 10.

Though delays kept the program from opening on time the project still came in on budget, about $7.4 million.

The facility is set to offer trades training to a total of 100 additional students. NorKam already offered skills training in woodworking, metals, electronics, automotive, drafting, graphics, photo, computer and media labs and the expansion will also allow for training in mining, industrial, refrigeration, building technology, engineering, water treatment and agricultural technology.

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