In February, New Afton contributed to the future of the Trades & Technology program by donating a retired Fire & Mine Rescue truck to Thompson Rivers University (TRU). This donation provides students in the Heavy-Duty program with hands-on experience using real equipment, enabling them to practice maintenance and repairs while gaining essential skills.
“TRU School of Trades & Technology is pleased to receive the donation of the fire truck,” said Baldev Pooni, Trades & Technology Dean. “Students and apprentices work in small teams to repair and maintain vehicles, acquiring job-ready skills they apply in the workplace. Given that we have as many as 100 students and apprentices training at the same time, a significant number of vehicles are required, and the fire truck adds to our inventory of equipment.”
The truck, which had been unused for five years, was no longer suitable for New Afton’s operations. Rather than allow it to remain idle and weathered in the site scrap yard, the Supply Chain, in collaboration with Maintenance, Fire & Mine Rescue and Community Relations departments, identified an opportunity to transform this equipment into a valuable educational resource tool.
“It’s incredible to see the community and local businesses come together to support TRU and our shared passion for hands-on learning,” said Ryan Munden, Heavy Mechanical Instructor. “The donation of this fire truck provides invaluable real-world experience for our students, helping them develop the skills they need for their future careers.”
This contribution highlights New Gold’s commitment to sustainable community development and enhancing safety for others. By repurposing the truck, the site can invest in local students’ education and future careers, ensuring a lasting positive impact on the community.
The post TRU Breathes New Life into New Afton’s Idle Equipment first appeared on New Afton Mine.