A new Vanderhoof campus of the College of New Caledonia (CNC) has officially opened to meet the growing demand for trades training and post-secondary programs in the region.

Programs offered at the Vanderhoof campus include: trades training on a rotational basis, including millwright, piping, carpentry, welding and trades discovery; applied business technology – administrative assistant (certificate); and university studies, bookkeeping, human services and business courses.

“The College of New Caledonia is a leader in hands-on training and this new campus means more people can stay in their community,” said Andrew Mercier, parliamentary secretary for skills training. “A new campus is a vital investment in the future of Vanderhoof and the regional economy. It means students can train closer to home, so that employers have access to the skilled workforce needed to help British Columbia thrive.”

The new campus is a renovated building CNC purchased in 2017 with financial support from the province. Able to accommodate 136 student spaces, the facility has been converted to include classroom, shop and library areas with a focus on physical and digital accessibility.

Digital Delivery Instruction (DDI) will make it possible for students to join classroom instruction in Prince George, while completing coursework and projects in Vanderhoof.

“The opening of a new campus in Vanderhoof strikes at the core of CNC’s new strategic plan, lhulh whuts’odutel’eh – Learning Together,” said Dennis Johnson, president, CNC. “This campus reflects the responsive approach CNC takes to the diverse needs of the communities in our region. We look forward to working with students and partners to support training and educational goals in Vanderhoof and beyond.”

There are CNC campuses in Vanderhoof, Burns Lake, Fort St. James, Mackenzie, Prince George and Quesnel.