IBEW building state-of-the-art electricians college in Holyrood
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is planning for a bright future in Newfoundland and Labrador, despite the downturn in the oil industry.
Two of the union's locals in the province are joining forces to build a top-of-the-line training centre in Holyrood.
Rick Dalton, a business agent with the union, says membership has tripled in the past year, and they expect to see an increasing need for skilled electricians in the future.
"The demand for trades people is more so today than there ever has been," he said. "So there's no fear on our part that there'll come a day when this facility is not needed."
Construction began on the site, on the upper end of the Holyrood Access Road, on Friday — with 2017 set as the completion date.
Modern facilities and progressive programming
The plan for the training centre includes state-of-the-art facilities for students including a gymnasium, tennis courts and outside walking trails.
"It will be the best in North America," said union business agent Terry Rose.
"The whole area here is going to be just a beautiful place. There's a river behind, ponds in front, it's user friendly and just a nice general relaxing place to come to work and learn."
Officials with the IBEW say the programs at the new college will be focused around practical experience, with online training options to ensure students spend less time in the classroom and more time getting hands-on experience.
Rick Dalton said the union's ultimate goal is to make Newfoundland and Labrador self-sufficient in electrical labour.
"No more will there be a need for skilled people to be coming from anywhere else outside the province. That will stop," he said.
"The best people in the world will be trained from this facility right here."