Funding announced to further boost VIU’s evolving trades programs
NANAIMO— Funding for new trades equipment at VIU’s Nanaimo campus is the latest in a string of significant senior government cash infusions to overhaul the growing department.
VIU’s dean of trades Glynis Steen told NanaimonNewsNOW the province announced $310,000 for several simulators to allow heavy mechanical students to diagnose and fix problems on a variety of machines. The funding is on top of $20 million in provincial and federal backing to redevelop and expand VIU’s trades programs.
Steen said the latest funding and ongoing work to expand their trades offerings are big steps forward for VIU. She said crews are in the home stretch of paring down their trades buildings from three to two efficient and expanded facilities.
“The redevelopment and addition onto the heavy mechanical trades building, which is where our new marine building will be going, will be ready for our students in September of 2018.”