May 6, 2016

With wildfires disrupting service at Keyano College in Fort McMurray, Medicine Hat College (MHC) trades instructors have worked quickly with Alberta Industry and Training to offer Keyano trades students an opportunity to complete their training uninterrupted at the Medicine Hat campus.

After a displaced electrician student inquired about joining an instructional session midstream, college staff began to consider the possibility of opening the opportunity up to other trades students who have been impacted. As a result, MHC is extending the offer to join sessions now in progress in a number of trades areas.

“We are going to open up the campus for any student from Fort McMurray who wants to continue their trades training. We may end up serving only one student or we may see many, but we felt compelled to offer them the chance,” says Dennis Beaudoin, interim director of trades and technology.

Officials from Keyano College have agreed to the arrangement, and college employees are working diligently to arrange for incidental support such as textbooks, housing and short-term financing.

“This is a small gesture to the residents of Fort McMurray, but it is one way that Medicine Hat College can respond to this devastating situation. Our thoughts are with the entire Fort McMurray community at this time,” says Beaudoin.

Students who are currently in progress in the following sessions are eligible and can contact Medicine Hat College at 403-529-3811 or 1-866-282-8394 to inquire about registration.

• Auto Service Technician - 1st year
• Electrician – 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th years
• Heavy Equipment Technician - 1st and 2nd years
• Plumbing – 2nd year
• Steamfitter/Pipefitter - 2nd and 3rd years
• Welding – 1st, 2nd and 3rd years