A world-class learning environment

STELLARTON, N.S. — There was a large crowd at the Stellarton campus for the official opening of The Hon. Dr. John F. Hamm Trades and Innovation Centre which was first used by students in 2017. The centre provides the campus with a specialized training space for students enrolled in carpentry, cabinetry, motor vehicle repair and heavyduty equipment programs. The new centre also provides a modern, high performance shop space. Envisioned as an innovation hub, the 28,000-square-foot building features specialized training space that will motivate cross-collaboration among skilled-trades students. It’s anticipated that, in addition to helping instill industry-ready skills, the new facility will boost entrepreneurship activity in the area by serving as a specialized trades and applied research space for the broader community. Construction of the Dr. John F. Hamm Trades and Innovation Centre was initiated through a $15.2-million investment — $6.9 million from the federal government and $8.3 million from the provincial government — announced in 2016. The funds were directed through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund (SIF), a federal-provincial partnership that funds modernization and sustainability improvements at post-secondary-based research facilities.

“This multimillion-dollar project created more than 100 good paying jobs during the construction of a new world class learning environment,” said Central Nova MP Sean Fraser who spoke at the event. “More importantly, the students who walk these halls today will move into good paying and high demand jobs. Our shared vision is a more skilled workforce who can stay and work right here in Pictou County.”

NSCC President Don Bureaux also spoke at the event.

“We hope that students who study in this new facility are encouraged by Dr. Hamm’s vision for Nova Scotia and are inspired by his conviction in the unlimited power of education.”