A new partnership between the North Island College Foundation (NICF) and Highstreet, a B.C.-based real estate development company, will mean a massive investment in trades students at NIC.
Highstreet will contribute $100,000 a year to NICF over a 10-year period to support trades students in a number of ways. The $1 million contribution represents the largest ever donation to support programming and students, in this case, those going into the trades.
“Trades education can be life changing, but many students need encouragement and financial support to take that first step,” said Chris Manning, acting dean of trades. “These awards will help students access training opportunities, reduce financial stress and focus on developing the skills needed for long-term career success.”
There is ample room for growth in the trade sector. The province’s Labour Market Outlook for 2025-35 noting that the construction industry, for example, is projected in the top five sectors for jobs. It anticipates that trades, transport and equipment operators, along with related occupations, will account for about 16 per cent of the total job openings.
Highstreet is a B.C.-based real estate development company that responsibly develops, builds and operates environmentally advanced condos as part of its core business. The company has delivered over 6,000 homes with a specific focus on fostering genuine community. The company has supported post-secondary education through donations before.
“Through this partnership with North Island College, we will be able to support training for an important and growing industry in the province,” says Alisha McFetridge of Highstreet. “Construction trades are an exciting and rewarding career—and one that is important to our company. We are very pleased to help create an environment in which more students consider construction trades as their first career option.”
Highstreet’s annual contribution to NICF will be split in a few ways: high school entrance scholarships for construction trades programs; diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in trades scholarships – foundation level; and Level 2 apprenticeships for carpentry, electrical and plumbing. Each of these could impact 10 students a year for a total of 30.
Finally, the fourth portion will help cover Youth in Trades workshops, which would give secondary school students hands-on experience and encourage them to consider construction-related trades as their first career choice. The workshops will introduce them to trades learning environments, instructors and industry pathways.
In a broader sense, this arrangement, known as Building Opportunities Together, will expand access to trade education, open career pathways, reduce barriers and strengthen recruitment of young people. In turn, this investment will support rural communities where it matters most by developing a skilled workforce to meet the needs of a region.
“This partnership will help create more inclusive pathways into the trades by supporting women, Indigenous learners, and students from underrepresented communities,” Manning said. “Expanding access to trades education helps ensure the workforce of the future reflects the diversity and strength of the communities we serve.”
NIC has information about its various trades programs on its website.
About the NIC Foundation
The NIC Foundation has been advancing student success, education and community growth through NIC since 1991. It supports NIC students through scholarships and bursaries, classroom equipment and technology investments with the goal of providing the best possible learning facilities that are accessible in the NIC region. It envisions a future where every student has the opportunity to pursue post‐secondary education, train for a new career or develop employable skills to support themselves and their families.
To support the NIC Foundation and make a difference in the lives of post‐secondary students, call 250-334-5074 or visit foundation.nic.bc.ca.