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Taking the next step made easier at the College of the Rockies in Golden

If you have an interest in learning more about the trades then the College of the Rockies in Golden has a spot for you.
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The College of the Rockies in Golden wants you to learn from free with a course aimed at many trades.

The College of the Rockies in Golden is offering a unique opportunity for 12 students to have the chance to take part in an introduction course to eight different trades and do it for free.

“This is the second year we are running this program.  This year we have gone after Ministry of Labour, Market Development funding for this program. We were very successful in getting the dollars to deliver this program starting Feb. 6 and runs until April 13,” said Karen Cathcart, Manager of the College’s Golden Campus. “What happens in this program is that the students come in and learn all about the different types of traditional trades. From electrical to plumbing to construction and while they are here we also give them certain certifications.” Some of the certificates that are included in the program are First Aid, WHMIS, Transportation of Dangerous Goods, Airbrakes, S-100, Traffic Control, and Forklift Training.

This 10-week program provides students with instruction in the following trades areas: Concrete, Carpentry, Building Trades, Basic Welding, Electrical, Plumbing, Painting and Cabinetry.

“This program aims to help the individuals who think they might want to enter into a trade, to give them the skills and the knowledge so they can make a more educated decision to which trade suits them best,” Cathcart said.

“The real beauty about this program is that it is delivered by journeymen within our community. We actually are employing our own local journeymen, electricians and plumbers to deliver this program. We help them gain experience in how to be a teacher.”

Cathcart went on to explain the college is very excited about this program this year.

“We have the funding this year to actually provide each and every one of the students with their own tools. They will be able to leave here with their own tools in hand. We will be purchasing their steel toed boots and all the stuff they need. Not only will they be certified but they will also have all the equipment and supplies they need to actually be ready to work in the market place,” Cathcart said.

The big project for the class this year will be a timber framed walkway which will be built at the college.

Cathcart explained the Ministry has provided the funding for the project which will see the students have the chance to work with an architect.

“It will be a legacy project for the class,” Cathcart added.

As for the students space is limited and Cathcart hopes anyone interested will contact the college as soon as possible.

“We are looking for students that want to go to school and have their tuition fee paid. There is criteria around that but if anyone is interested...it is a great, fun program and we have great support for the program,” she said.