Plumbing students from Kwantlen Polytechnic University will have access to the latest education technology in their field, thanks to one of the world’s leading manufacturers of pumps and water systems.
Grundfos Canada will contribute $12,500 over the next five years to KPU’s plumbing apprenticeship program to update and enhance classroom equipment and purchase additional learning materials. Through its technical school initiative, Grundfos will also share real-world experience with students through in-class lectures and presentations.
“We at the Faculty of Trades and Technology appreciate the gift from Grundfos and through commitments from our strategic partners we are able to continue to offer the high quality programs at KPU Tech,” said Henry Reiser, KPU’s Dean of Trades, adding “these donations will be directly applied to our students learning and in times of restraint are very much appreciated.”
Grundfos, which develops, manufactures and sells high-quality pumps and pumping systems around the world, launched the technical school initiative in 2011 with the dual objective of supporting student talent and developing its potential workforce.
KPU is one of four Canadian post-secondaries to benefit from the global pump manufacturer. The additional resources will enhance training opportunities and help ensure KPU students are qualified to work with the latest pump technology.
“Grundfos Canada was impressed with Kwantlen Polytechnic University‘s innovative and professional programs,” said Simon Feddema, General Manager of Grundfos Canada. “We look forward to partnering with the school in the years ahead as we together work on developing the next generation of trade professionals.”
KPU Tech – the university’s Cloverdale trades and technology campus – offers three levels of plumbing apprenticeship training with a fourth level currently under development. The in-school training for each level is six weeks and includes a final exam. The pathway to becoming a plumber generally takes four years to complete to complete the training and achieve the necessary work experience.
Plumping apprentices are eligible to write the Red Seal inter-provincial exam upon completion of their training and 6,420 work-experience hours.