A long-term partner of Lethbridge College gave a multi faceted gift to the college last week.
On Thursday, KB Plumbing and Heating unveiled a $100,000 donation in support of the new trades and technology facility and student awards.
General Manager Scott Murakami said without the college, the community would not succeed.
“We’ve always recognized that the trades and college have been an important part of our industry, the community is part of our industry and we can’t continue to flourish without it.”
The gift is aimed to benefit three major areas. The first supports a classroom in phase two of the new Trades and Technology Facility.
The second will benefit new student awards including three annual $500 awards for plumbing, a very first for the new Plumbing Apprenticeship program.
The other awards include an annual $1,000 award for engineering technologies and another $1,000 award for the Administrative Office Professional program.
This program is in recognition of the invaluable role played by the office staff of KB’s operations.
Paula Burns, President of Lethbridge College, says the contribution to the classroom in the new facility is one thing, but the student awards are key.
“So many of our programs contribute to the local economy and it’s going to be tough times, but these awards really help students get the education they need to have jobs for the future.”
KB is also involved in the construction of the new trades and technologies facility, as the mechanical contractor.
“We recognize the importance of local training as a way to keep our most talented employees in southern Alberta,” said Keith Broadbent, President of KB Plumbing and Heating.
In previous years keeping talented employees in Lethbridge had its challenges.
“All our apprentices throughout the years have had to go to Calgary or Medicine Hat, it’s a hardship to be away from their family both mentally and the dollar on it (economically). We also risk losing employees to companies out of town because they’re away from us,” said Murakami.
For the first time Lethbridge College introduced the Plumbing Apprenticeship program this January. Something Murakami says he’s excited about and hopes to see more of.
“We are hoping to get more programs down here, sheet metal would be ideal, it’s important for Lethbridge to have their own local apprenticeships. We appreciate the importance of the community and this is our way of giving back.”
