CNC Trades and Technologies Dean, Ward Cartier and Associate Dean Chris Montgomery-Hewett look forward to serving students and building industry connections across the region served by the College.
CNC’s trades and technologies team is excited to set a new course for student success while strengthening relationships with industry partners.
CNC’s School of Trades and Technologies is one of four schools at the college, providing training to nearly 30 per cent of CNC’s student population. In addition to a wide range of trades discovery, foundations, and apprenticeship programs, the school also trains students in fields such as civil engineering technology as well as information technology and networking.
“There is an incredible opportunity presenting itself, and connections are critical to understand what’s needed to grow industry in the area,” said Ward Cartier, the new dean of trades and technologies whose career includes service in engineering, education, and project management. “That means jobs for young people, life-long careers, life-long learning… all those great things that young people can look forward to.”
Improving access to trades and technologies is a key priority for associate dean Chris Montgomery-Hewett. A Red Seal welder and long-time educator, she’s actively seeking new ways to introduce young people into trades and tech careers. These include trades discovery programs, dual credit career technical centres with school districts including the exciting new TekX program, and summer camps for students in their early teens.
“We have worked to increase the number of cohorts of women and First Nations students in our trades programs,” Chris explained. “For younger learners, it’s such a great opportunity for potential students that are in high school to see there are a lot of people here who want to help them.”
The region’s economy is changing as new sectors take root and others undergo restructuring. Meeting students where they are is a key priority, as is finding ways to build on existing skills.
“How do we give pathways for students who could potentially come up through a trade to a Red Seal and transfer into a technology program, ultimately into an engineering degree,” Ward explained. “Those are the exciting developments we’re going to be looking at.”
The renewal of CNC’s trades and technologies programs includes an active call for industry partnerships. especially for program advisory committees or PACs. Those groups help advise CNC on program changes to ensure students are up to date as they enter the workforce.
“Our instructors are so keen to get that industry feedback. From the PACs we have, it’s brought so much refreshment and rejuvenation. Instructors feel they’re more aware of what the industry members they want to support need,” added Chris.
Ward and Chris plan to strengthen their work with businesses, partners, and the college community to open doors and grow new opportunities for students and the industries in which they’ll work.
To get in touch with Ward and Chris or to join a trades and technologies PAC, please contact CNC’s School of Trades and Technologies at 250-561-5804 or trades@cnc.bc.ca