In a boost for British Columbia’s maritime industry, the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, alongside Seaspan, has announced a transformative $5.26 million grant to establish a new Trades Training Centre at Camosun College’s Coastal Centre in Esquimalt, B.C. Located near the active Victoria Shipyards, the centre is designed to deliver hands-on trades training to help meet the sector’s growing demands.
“The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation is honoured to support Camosun College in its work to develop a diverse marine trades workforce through the establishment of the Trades Training Centre. 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, the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation.
This cutting-edge facility, a joint vision of Camosun College and its benefactors, will emphasize inclusive education by implementing an “Indigenous First” approach. With $200,000 allocated specifically for scholarships, Indigenous students will receive prioritized access and financial support, aimed at dismantling barriers that have historically restricted their entry into skilled trades. This commitment to supporting Indigenous learners is part of a broader strategy to cultivate a diverse, skilled workforce in Canada’s maritime sector.
“The $5.26 million grant will establish a new Trades Training Centre next to the Camosun Coastal Centre and significantly expand our ability to support the marine industry including Seaspan. The college is grateful for the generous support of the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation in conjunction with Seaspan and values the relationship that goes back almost 25 years. We can all do better work together,” stated Lane Trotter, President, Camosun College.
The training centre promises state-of-the-art amenities, with classrooms and adaptable shop spaces equipped to address the constantly evolving needs of marine trades. It will serve as a learning hub where students can acquire safety certifications, engage in specialized maritime training, and prepare for real-world applications through a mix of theoretical and practical learning experiences.
“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, in conjunction with the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, is proud to invest in a training centre that will be a game changer for students who are interested in pursuing a rewarding, lifelong career in the marine industry,” expressed John McCarthy, CEO, Seaspan Shipyards.
The Washington Foundation’s investment highlights the significance of a sustainable future for the marine industry, recognizing the essential role tradespeople play in Canada’s economic strength. In a time when the national demand for skilled tradespeople is high, the Trades Training Centre is set to become a cornerstone for workforce development. By empowering students and providing the skills necessary to enter and excel in maritime trades, this centre is more than just an educational facility—it’s a commitment to British Columbia’s economic future and the next generation of trades professionals.