Westman Lumber to provide building materials to support hands-on learning for Assiniboine trades students

Assiniboine Community College and Westman Lumber Supply have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance hands-on learning opportunities for students in the carpentry program at Assiniboine.

Westman Lumber will provide building materials for sheds, which students will work to construct at the Len Evans Centre for Trades and Technology, located at the North Hill campus in Brandon, throughout technical training.

“This sort of experience is invaluable for our students. The skills and confidence they’ll gain working on a real-life project like this will be a major benefit to them as they enter the industry,” said Kevin Poirier, Dean of Trades at Assiniboine. “We value our connection to industry members, which allow partnerships like this to take shape. Thanks to Westman Lumber for helping to bring this exceptional student experience to life.”

In addition to donating materials to support the project, Westman Lumber will appraise the labour performed by Assiniboine students and donate the equivalent to the Assiniboine Foundation to support trades programs at the college.

Students will complete the work on the sheds in the coming weeks.

“Westman Lumber Supply believes in the learn-by-doing principles put forth by Assiniboine Community College. Learning is accomplished best with hands-on lessons that encourage collaboration and the building of core skills,” said Jace Summers, General Manager at Westman Lumber Supply. “We are thankful for the many highly skilled and motivated individuals that are brought to our industry through ACC. Being involved with organizations that constantly contribute to the success of our industry is a pleasure for our company.”

Westman Lumber Supply is part of the Keller Developments team of companies, owned by Assiniboine alumnus, Evan Keller, who is an active member of Assiniboine’s Alumni Association Board of Directors.