Vancouver Island University’s trades program will use $399,000 in money from the provincial government to purchase more trades training equipment.
Among the more expensive items is an industrial power plant simulator for power engineering students and a Class 8 transport truck that will be utilized for heavy duty mechanic and equipment operator students, according to Guy Ellis, dean of trades and applied technology.
The power plant simulator is estimated to cost more than $100,000 and Ellis said it will mimic large steam boilers in pulp mills, processing plants for petrochemicals, oil and gas and even liquified natural gas.
“The software involved has a simulation of a power plant, so people get to practise controlling the systems, troubleshooting systems when things aren’t working – all without having a real, live, expensive boiler that could possibly blow up when things go wrong,” Ellis said.
The truck is projected to cost in the neighbourhood of $50,000 to $60,000 and the combined cost of the welding machines is estimated to be in the same range.
Table saws, ovens and industrial control systems for electrical students will also be purchased, said Ellis. The province provided $837,000 to the university in August, a majority of which went toward trades training seats.
The equipment is expected to be on campus by March 31 and will be used by students enrolled in programs this semester.