December 2007
Dec. 3, 2007
TRU students offer HR help
KAMLOOPS-Human resource management students at Thompson Rivers University are gearing up to offer their expertise to local non-profits.
The business students, now in their final year of studies, have their tools ready: programs to recruit and select employees/volunteers, programs to enhance employee performance and programs which help retain and inspire employees.
“The feedback from former clients has been very positive with most implementing most or all of the students' recommendations,” explained the students’ instructor, Richard Roy, who describes the activity as a win-win situation.
“The students learn the best and latest practices in recruitment, retention, compensation and training and have a great deal to offer. It also provides them with hands-on experience,” he said.
The class is looking for four or five non-profit organizations that need HR help. Projects would start in the new year and wind up in April.
“The process we follow is an initial meeting with the client to identify their HR needs. This could be in recruiting and training volunteers, designing and delivering training programs, designing compensation programs, or what have you. Students then research the literature and look at comparable employers for"best" practices, they compare these practices to their clients' and make recommendations for improvement,” explained Roy.
The project, now in its fourth year, has had very good response. Students have worked on such projects as developing a performance management program for Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and making recommendations for best HR practices for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Child Development Centre.
“This was an excellent experience for us,” said Doug Gibson, Executive Director of Big Brothers and Big Sisters. “As a small non-profit organization we don’t have the resources to undertake this kind of initiative. The students provided both recommendations and a plan for implementing a performance management program.”
Debra Frolek, Executive Director of the Child Development Centre was similarly enthusiastic about the students’ work.
"I was most impressed with scope and depth of the project. The document they produced is first class and I can't wait to share the information with our directors."
Her remarks were echoed by Marcia Wilson, Executive Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, who enthused that “This was an excellent experience for us.”
“As a small non-profit organization we don’t have the resources to undertake this kind of initiative. I was totally impressed with the final outcome. What a treat to look through the document and find everything I need," she added.
The deadline for applications is January 8. Local employers interested in participating in next year’s project may contact Roy at 371-5803 or email:
rroy@tru.ca.
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December 17, 2007
Campus Christmas Closure
TRU will be closed from 12:00 noon on Monday, December 24th, 2007 through January 1st, 2008.
The University will return to normal business hours effective Wednesday, January 2nd, 2008.
We wish a very happy holiday season to all!
Dec. 18, 2007
New program at TRU to help meet demand in construction industry
KAMLOOPS, BC—Thompson Rivers University (TRU) will introduce a new apprenticeship training program in the new year, to help meet the need for skilled trades in BC’s booming construction industry.
The TRU School of Trades and Technology will offer a six-week Glazier Apprenticeship - Module A training program, beginning in February, as the direct result of the leadership and support of a local business leader in the field.
“TRU has a long history in the trades and today we are regarded as offering some of the premiere trades programs in the country,” said Dr. Mark Evered, Vice-President and Provost at TRU. “Our industry partners informed us of the high demand for Glaziers, and consistent with our commitment to be as responsive as we can to industry needs, we found a way to meet that demand.”
Frank Luciani, President of Inland Glass and Aluminum Ltd, and chair of the Trade Training Committee for the Glazing Contractors Association of BC (GCA-BC) first approached the Dean of Trades and Technology at TRU, Ralph Finch, about the viability of the glazier program at the university.
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Ralph Finch,
Dean Trades and Technology &
Frank Luciani,
Chair Trade Training Committee,
GCA-BC
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“That’s what is so exciting about this glazier program, not only is it driven by the needs of the industry,” Finch said. “But, being able to deliver the program within a year of the beginning of the consultation process demonstrates just how responsive and flexible TRU’s School of Trades and Technology is.”
"We are pleased that TRU is participating in the new modular training program for the training of students to enter the Architectural Aluminum and Glass and Glazing field of work,” said Luciani on behalf of the CGA-BC.
“Through TRU, it’s the first time students in the interior of B.C. will have the opportunity to obtain this training and we look forward to a lengthy relationship with the university.”
Luciani is the owner of Inland Glass and Aluminum Ltd., a recognized leader in the industry, employing approximately 85 people in Kamloops and responsible for some of largest commercial glass installations in the country and abroad.
In addition to being a first for TRU, in terms of the program, this also marks the first time that the new
Industrial Training Authority (ITA) educational extension model will be implemented at TRU. The model allows participants to enter a Modular "A" trade entry program directly from school or other backgrounds and with six weeks of training be able to find a job in the aluminum and glass industry and to quickly specialize in the residential or commercial glass field of their choice.
Applications are now being accepted for Glazier Module A, the first of seven modules required for certification as a journeyperson Glazier certified with the Glazer Contractors Association of BC. There are already 11 students confirmed for the February intake, and a second class is scheduled to begin March 17.
Glaziers are responsible for the layout, preparation, fabrication, installation and sealing of all architectural metal that make up the building envelope. Glaziers also fabricate and install custom interior and exterior designs for residential and commercial buildings as well as the glass components for automotive and marine applications.
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For more information please contact
Peter Poeschek
Construction Trades Chairperson
Ph: 828-5113
Frank Luciani,
Chair, Trade Training Committee,
Glazing Contractors Association of BC
P: 374-7306