The North Island College Foundation and B.C.-based real estate development company Highstreet have formed a partnership aimed at supporting students entering the trades.
Highstreet will contribute $100,000 a year to the foundation over 10 years, for a total of $1 million.
North Island College said the contribution represents the largest donation to support trades programming and students entering the trades at the college.
“Trades education can be life changing, but many students need encouragement and financial support to take that first step,” said Chris Manning, acting dean of trades. “These awards will help students access training opportunities, reduce financial stress and focus on developing the skills needed for long-term career success.”
According to a release from the college, Highstreet has previously supported post-secondary education through donations.
“Through this partnership with North Island College, we will be able to support training for an important and growing industry in the province,” said Alisha McFetridge of Highstreet. “Construction trades are an exciting and rewarding career—and one that is important to our company. We are very pleased to help create an environment in which more students consider construction trades as their first career option.”
The college said Highstreet’s annual contributions to the foundation will support:
- High school entrance scholarships for construction trades programs
- Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in trades scholarships – foundation level
- Level 2 apprenticeships for carpentry, electrical and plumbing
North Island College said each of the funding streams could support 10 students a year, for a total of 30 students annually.
“This partnership will help create more inclusive pathways into the trades by supporting women, Indigenous learners, and students from underrepresented communities,” Manning said. “Expanding access to trades education helps ensure the workforce of the future reflects the diversity and strength of the communities we serve.”
