Coldstream-based home builder Keith Construction has stepped up to provide $50,000 towards the campaign to support Okanagan College’s new $6.2 million trades training centre at the Vernon campus.
Ken and Karen Dahlen, owners of the custom home building and renovation company, are excited to be the first to contribute to the project as a way to demonstrate the company’s appreciation for its industry, employees and community.
“Our success over the years has come from multiple skilled tradespeople within our region,” said Keith Dahlen.
“With a shortage of skilled trades, we believe the best way for the company to give back to our industry is by helping to provide quality training for the next generation.”
The $50,000 gift will support the construction of a new 13,450 square-foot state-of-the-art facility, which will include multi-purpose trades shops for the college’s electrical, carpentry, plumbing and pipefitting programs, as well as a dedicated welding shop.
Keith Construction has employed several carpenter apprentices from the college’s program and Ken Dahlen knows the benefits that a high-quality education brings to the industry – a value championed by the company’s founder, Keith Dahlen.
“This gift is a fitting way to honour my father and the emphasis he put on learning the proper skills in order to provide quality craftsmanship to our clients,” said Ken. “He taught me that if you are going to do a job, do it right or don’t do it at all.”
Construction of the new facility is scheduled to begin later this month, with completion targeted for the spring of 2018. More information on the project can be found at okanagan.bc.ca/campaign.