The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation and shipbuilding company Seaspan have made a $5.26 million donation to the creation of a training center in British Columbia dedicated to marine trades education and workforce development, the North Vancouver, B.C. shipbuilder announced Oct. 31.
The Trades Training Centre, as it is to be known, is planned to be built at Camosun College’s Coastal Centre in Esquimalt, B.C., near Victoria Shipyards, and would include modern classrooms and adaptable shop spaces, according to the announcement.
“This investment will ensure the next generation of skilled tradespeople are supported and ready to meet the future challenges of the marine industry,” said Jon Bennion, executive director of the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation.
The effort also prioritizes access and scholarships to Indigenous students. About $200,000 is being dedicated to scholarships, Seaspan has said.
“The Trades Training Centre is crucial for closing the existing skills gap in the marine trades while also developing a diverse and inclusive workforce,” Seaspan Shipyards CEO John McCarthy said. “Seaspan, in conjunction with the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, is proud to invest in a training center that will be a game changer for students who are interested in pursuing a rewarding, lifelong career in the marine industry.”
The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, which supports programs and services that give people the tools to enhance the quality of their lives and to benefit society, is a subsidiary company of the Washington Companies, owner of Seaspan and Victoria Shipyards Co.
