New Tech building officially opens thanks to $15mil campaign
With $10.5 million already in the bank, Fanshawe's Capital Campaign has turned to the public to raise the final $5 million towards the college's new Centre for Construction Trades and Technology, as well as other projects that will secure Fanshawe as a leader in innovative educational programs.
The launch of the public campaign coincided with the grand opening of the Centre for Construction Trades and Technology. The 10,000 square metre complex will be the new home for apprentice carpenters, electricians and plumbers, who will now have the ability to construct and assemble an entire house within the structure.
President Howard Rundle said the Centre for Construction and Technology replaces old woodworking and carpentry classrooms in the college, which were “old, dark and dingy” and comparable to high school tech shops.
He also said the new facility is just the “tip of the iceberg” when it comes to the expected renovations at the college, which will also be funded by the $15 million being raised through the capital campaign.
In an interview, Rundle said the school is focusing on the skilled trades because Ontario will see a massive shortage of trades people over the next 10 years.
Between 1991-1996 immigration was responsible for 70 per cent of labour market growth and by 2020 Canada will be short one million workers, due to retirement.
“Our country has never trained enough people for these jobs,” Rundle said. “So many parents consider University as the only real consideration after high school.”
Rundle said students and their parents don't understand that being a carpenter, electrician or plumber can be extremely lucrative and that a career in the trades can also open doors to many other opportunities.
To combat this stereotype and bring more trades people to Fanshawe, Rundle said the school is showing the new modern facilities to students and guidance councillors.
“Now if [they] look at T Building, we will be showing the latest and greatest,” Rundle said.
“You can take your ticket anywhere in the world and be employed. You can't take a law degree everywhere and get employed,” Chris Bentley, London West MPP and Ontario's minister of training, colleges and universities, said to a crowd of approximately 300 inside the new structure, which is also known as T Building.
The Capital Campaign began raising funds privately from corporate investors, alumni, individuals and college staff in early 2004. Now the campaign is reaching out to the community, for the remaining $5 million, where one out of six Londoners attended the college and 84 per cent of graduates stay in the city.
“The next phase is critical to our campaign,” said Rundle, who expects the college will reach its goal by the end of 2006. “Topping it off to $15 [million] should be a breeze.”
Also speaking at the event was Federal Minister of Labour and Housing, Joe Fontana and Mayor of London and Fanshawe Alumni, Anne Marie DeCicco.
“People recognize that Fanshawe is a place to get practical experience for a practical job,” said President of Copp Building Materials Limited, Steve Copp, who represented the community partners involved in the campaign.
On top of the $15 million fundraising goal, the city of London promised $5 million over 10 years and the Provincial and Federal governments have contributed $15 million to the campaign.
“Our major goals are not to just to raise awareness… [but] to engage in partnerships and relationships for ongoing support for students,” Rundle said.
The launch of the public campaign coincided with the grand opening of the Centre for Construction Trades and Technology. The 10,000 square metre complex will be the new home for apprentice carpenters, electricians and plumbers, who will now have the ability to construct and assemble an entire house within the structure.
President Howard Rundle said the Centre for Construction and Technology replaces old woodworking and carpentry classrooms in the college, which were “old, dark and dingy” and comparable to high school tech shops.
He also said the new facility is just the “tip of the iceberg” when it comes to the expected renovations at the college, which will also be funded by the $15 million being raised through the capital campaign.
In an interview, Rundle said the school is focusing on the skilled trades because Ontario will see a massive shortage of trades people over the next 10 years.
Between 1991-1996 immigration was responsible for 70 per cent of labour market growth and by 2020 Canada will be short one million workers, due to retirement.
“Our country has never trained enough people for these jobs,” Rundle said. “So many parents consider University as the only real consideration after high school.”
Rundle said students and their parents don't understand that being a carpenter, electrician or plumber can be extremely lucrative and that a career in the trades can also open doors to many other opportunities.
To combat this stereotype and bring more trades people to Fanshawe, Rundle said the school is showing the new modern facilities to students and guidance councillors.
“Now if [they] look at T Building, we will be showing the latest and greatest,” Rundle said.
“You can take your ticket anywhere in the world and be employed. You can't take a law degree everywhere and get employed,” Chris Bentley, London West MPP and Ontario's minister of training, colleges and universities, said to a crowd of approximately 300 inside the new structure, which is also known as T Building.
The Capital Campaign began raising funds privately from corporate investors, alumni, individuals and college staff in early 2004. Now the campaign is reaching out to the community, for the remaining $5 million, where one out of six Londoners attended the college and 84 per cent of graduates stay in the city.
“The next phase is critical to our campaign,” said Rundle, who expects the college will reach its goal by the end of 2006. “Topping it off to $15 [million] should be a breeze.”
Also speaking at the event was Federal Minister of Labour and Housing, Joe Fontana and Mayor of London and Fanshawe Alumni, Anne Marie DeCicco.
“People recognize that Fanshawe is a place to get practical experience for a practical job,” said President of Copp Building Materials Limited, Steve Copp, who represented the community partners involved in the campaign.
On top of the $15 million fundraising goal, the city of London promised $5 million over 10 years and the Provincial and Federal governments have contributed $15 million to the campaign.
“Our major goals are not to just to raise awareness… [but] to engage in partnerships and relationships for ongoing support for students,” Rundle said.
