By Katelyn Wilson
Phase one of the new Trades and Technologies facility at Lethbridge College is now in full swing and filled with new students eager to make their mark.
The project broke ground on April 24, 2014 and is one of the largest in the history of Lethbridge. The project is aimed at providing facilities that will support new and emerging trends in trades and technologies programs.
Phase one was completed Aug. 31 of this year, with only a few finishing touches to go and according to the Lethbridge College Scorecard 2014-15, the project came in under budget. Just in time for back to school.
Kelsey Bolink, first year student in the Automotive Systems program, says so far so good, but there are still a few glitches to be worked out.
“It’s a little bit chaotic, they don’t know where things are yet, but it’s working fine,” said Bolink.
When it’s complete, the new Trades and Technologies facility will total 165,270 square feet with the goal of supporting more than 880 new students, a 65 per cent increase from previous years.
The new facility will open its doors to skilled apprentices in electrical, welding, agriculture equipment, automotive service, parts, and heavy equipment, along with technicians, engineering design, interior design, geomatics and civil engineering.
Martin Cob, first year student in the Automotive Systems program, says there are more stations for students to learn which makes it easier.
“This year is good compared to the other shop and high school I was at. It has 14 lifts, the other only had two,” said Cob.
The new building was designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects in association with Sahuri + Partners.
Allan Law, partner in charge with Sahuri + Partners, says all the feedback he has received has been positive so far and he’s happy with the progress.
“It is on schedule there are only a few deficiencies to clean up,” said Law.
Phase two is currently under construction, beginning with demolition over the next month, and is set to be complete in 2017.
