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Camosun College opens satellite training centre on Songhees Nation

Camosun College has increased its regional presence with the opening of the Camosun Coastal Centre on Songhees Nation Territory near the Esquimalt Graving Dock. Formerly known as IMTARC (Industry Marine Training and Applied Research Centre), the 4,000-square-foot training building sits on leased land and was built in 2013.
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Camosun College has increased its regional presence with the opening of the Camosun Coastal Centre on Songhees Nation Territory near the Esquimalt Graving Dock. Formerly known as IMTARC (Industry Marine Training and Applied Research Centre), the 4,000-square-foot training building sits on leased land and was built in 2013.

The Camosun Coastal Centre is an opportunity to build on the relationships and customized training programs developed by IMTARC and expand the college’s offerings,” said Geoff Wilmshurst, vice-president of partnerships for Camosun College. “We expect to grow Camosun’s partnerships with First Nations communities, marine industries, the Department of National Defence and the City of Esquimalt.”

The facility includes two state-of-the-art classrooms that can accommodate up to 40 people each and a 12-station computer lab. At this new location, Camosun plans to continue the successful programming in coastal and marine-related contract training courses already offered by IMTARC at the new location. The new facility will offer customized programs for Indigenous communities, develop new offerings in continuing education, and deliver space rental for external education and industry providers.

Formerly owned by SkillSource, a skills training organization based in Langley, IMTARC has provided training focused on industrial marine programs. They have also provided space to local industry and training organizations, including Camosun. SkillSource and Camosun began discussions in April 2016 and concluded the deal to transfer the facility in December.

Camosun will continue to work with the original partners to provide their training and development needs. The new site will make it possible to offer more programs and training opportunities for marine industries, Indigenous trades people and members of the community.