A new 142,000 square foot Motive Power Centre of Excellence has replaced outdated facilities at the BC Institute of Technology and Vancouver Community College. The $16.5-million development, located at Annacis Island in Delta, B.C., will provide space to train the region’s next generation of tradespeople in the heavy-duty transportation sector. These individuals will include heavy-duty, transport trailer, diesel, and commercial transport mechanics as well as railway conductors and forklift operators.

“To meet the challenge of more than a million job openings by 2022, we need to provide B.C. students with modern training facilities,” says Amrik Virk, Advanced Education Minister. “The new Motive Power Centre of Excellence will prepare students to enter the workforce and fill in-demand jobs, including those in liquefied natural gas and related industries.”

Funding from the Ministry of Advanced Education and the provincial government assisted in the development of the building, which includes a 109-tonne MAN Engine to provide aspiring trades workers with relevant, hands-on learning experience.

“This funding is a significant investment towards skills training in B.C.,” says Peter Nunoda, Vancouver Community College President. “Prior to this move, our heavy mechanical programs were performing at 177% utilization. The new facility provides our students the opportunity to learn in a spacious state-of-the-art facility, while acquiring the hands-on, job-ready skills necessary for these in-demand careers. Our staff and students are extremely pleased with the Motive Power Centre of Excellence’s larger space and new equipment.”

The new centre, part of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint commitment, officially opened on November 25.