Trades training just got more mobile, thanks to a partnership between the Northern Lights College Foundation, Northern Lights College (NLC) and ConocoPhillips.
NLC and the Foundation worked with ConocoPhillips to get a trailer ready to take learning on the road. The Mobile Training Unit has all the tools and safety equipment to run on-location training opportunities.
Currently, the trailer is in use with the facilities maintenance program running through NLC Workforce Training and Continuing Education. It has the potential to run summer camps, remote youth trades samplers, maker space activities, and much more.
“Strong, sustainable communities start with access to education and skills development, and we’re committed to helping open doors for people to learn and grow close to home.”
-Tristan Howes, Manager, Montney Operations, ConocoPhillips
Tristan Howes, the manager for Montney Operations at ConocoPhillips Canada, emphasized how important it is for training to be accessible for everyone.
“ConocoPhillips Canada is proud to help make trades training more accessible in Northern B.C. through our sponsorship of the Northern Lights College Mobile Training Unit,” he said. “Strong, sustainable communities start with access to education and skills development, and we’re committed to helping open doors for people to learn and grow close to home.”
NLC Trades has used a mobile training trailer before. However, with new programs and the building of the Trades Training Facility at the Dawson Creek Campus, the equipment has stayed on campus.
Rod Cork, Dean of Trades and Apprenticeships, is excited to see the return of mobile education.
“NLC has had opportunity to travel to community in the past, with a trailer full of exciting things. As our programs evolved and expanded, we migrated that equipment into the delivery of our on-campus Youth Explore Trades programs,” he said. “And now, once again, we are proudly partnered with Conoco Phillips Canada who have supported our vision to again have an amazing trailer full of tools and safety equipment ready to bring learning to you. Conoco’s support of our programs has a long history, and we are grateful to them for their continued support.”
The Northern Lights College Foundation facilitated the donation on behalf of NLC, which Executive Director Lindsey Borek believes is the perfect example of how partnerships between NLC and industry benefits everyone.
“Partnerships are at the heart of Northern Lights College’s mission — they enable us to respond to the evolving needs of our communities, strengthen our programs, and open new doors for students,” said Borek. “By working together, we are building a stronger, more resilient future for northern British Columbia.”
