With the official opening of the first phase of the new trades and technology building, comes the beginning of Phase two.

Demolition of the old 1900 trades building behind the college is now over 80 per cent complete and phase two will consist of additional spaces for all of the welding, electrical, an innovation area, as well as classrooms for engineering students.

“It’s a big job, but is a beautiful building. Phase two is about three times the size of phase one, and we have the same amount of time to build it,” said project manager Francis Rankin.

Rankin explains that with sewer and water services completed and out of the way, things will progress smoothly.

Luke Anderberg, a carpenter and construction worker on the project is happy with the ongoing progress.

“Over the last few months it was slow in the beginning because of asbestos,” he said.

“We hope that maybe January of February the building steel will start being erected,” concluded Anderberg.

The building spans over 41,317-square-feet and houses programs within the Crooks School of Transportation, Automotive Service Technician, Parts Technician Agricultural, and heavy equipment technician programs.

The entire building project is forecast to be complete in 2017. Eight skilled trade and four technology programs will benefit from learning in the new building and it is projected to be one of the largest technology and training facilities south of Calgary.

Lethbridge College students in eight skilled trades and four technology programs will now be able to benefit from learning at what will be the largest trades and technology training facility south of Calgary.