Cleaner air, better heating, and a better use of space will make a big difference in one local welding shop.
The Carlton Trail Regional College (CTRC) welding shop in Humboldt has undergone some major renovations thanks to provincial and federal funding and the results were celebrated at a ribbon cutting ceremony on December 20.
The renovation of the existing welding/multi-purpose shop included the installation of a new boiler, a new ventilation system, and the replacement of the shingles on the roof.
Representatives from the federal, provincial and municipal governments, along with educational staff and students celebrated the grand re-opening of the renovated shop.
Saskatoon-Humboldt MP Brad Trost said that CTRC is one of the fantastic educational institutors in the province and these renovations just improves it.
"This is the story of an investment that makes a difference," Trost said. "This project will create more jobs."
Donna Harpauer, Humboldt MLA and Saskatchewan's Minister of Education, said that with the construction of the new Humboldt Collegiate Institute (HCI), with its new CTRC wing, the renovations to the welding shop and recent work to St. Peter's College in Muenster, there is no excuse in Humboldt for not having a great education.
"Carlton Trail has worked very diligently to have applicable post-secondary education in our area," Harpauer said. "They have ensured, with this renovation, that there is a safe, quality facility for welding in this community."
Improving the welding shop is just one step for training students in Saskatchewan and keeping them here, she said.
Malcolm Eaton, Mayor of Humboldt, said that the new shop is just one sign of the healthy economy of the community, the region, and the province.
"Investing in education in our community is an investment in our future," Eaton stated.
This project will benefit adult and high school learners, explained Glen Kobussen, CTRC CEO.
"Providing CTRC and our partner students with an enhanced and healthier learning environment will make an important contribution to supporting and growing the local economy and workforce," Kobussen said.
Keith Thompson, principal of HCI, thanked the provincial and federal governments for funding the renovations, as HCI students use the facility for their welding classes.
"I would also offer thanks to Carlton Trail and the City for the partnerships they've developed with us over the past few years," Thompson said. "This is an opportunity to prepare our students for wonderful opportunities this area is going to see in the next few years. This offers students an opportunity to stay in the province."
The project received funding from the federal and provincial governments as part of the Knowledge Infrastructure Program (KIP). The federal government chipped in $110,000, the provincial government added $106,000, and CTRC added $4,000 for renovations to the heating and ventilation systems, and work on the roof.
