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A class of Plumbing and Piping Foundation trades students were the first to step through the doors of the newly completed Trades Training Centre at òòò½ÎÑ’s Vernon campus at 7 a.m. this morning. A few hours later, they helped to officially open the space where they will hone their trade. 

Stephen Fuhr, Member of Parliament for Kelowna - Lake Country and The Hon. Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training joined òòò½ÎÑ President Jim Hamilton and other College officials, donors, industry and community members, students and alumni in a ribbon cutting ceremony at noon today, August 7, followed by a BBQ for students and guests. 

The new 1,250 square-metre (13,450 square-foot) centre will accommodate about 150 students per year in Carpentry, Welding, Electrical, Plumbing and Piping, and Women in Trades programs.

The Province of B.C. provided $2.88 million and the Government of Canada provided $2.66 million toward the $6.2 million total project cost. The òòò½ÎÑ Foundation has raised nearly $1 million to cover the $673,000 capital construction cost, as well as provide support for students and programming. 

• Read the B.C. Government's .
• View of the event.
• Find the  on Flickr.