Metro Vancouver, B.C. - Plumbing students from KPU will have access to the latest education technology in their field, thanks to one of the world’s leading manufacturers of pumps and water systems.
Grundfos Canada will contribute $12,500 over the next five years to KPU’s plumbing apprenticeship program to update and enhance classroom equipment and purchase additional learning materials. Through its technical school initiative, Grundfos will also share real-world experience with students through in-class lectures and presentations.
“We at the Faculty of Trades and Technology appreciate the gift from Grundfos and through commitments from our strategic partners we are able to continue to offer the high quality programs at KPU Tech,” said Henry Reiser, KPU’s Dean of Trades, adding “these donations will be directly applied to our students learning and in times of restraint are very much appreciated.”
Grundfos, which develops, manufactures and sells high-quality pumps and pumping systems around the world, launched the technical school initiative in 2011 with the dual objective of supporting student talent and developing its potential workforce. KPU is one of four Canadian post-secondaries to benefit from the global pump manufacturer. The additional resources will enhance training opportunities and help ensure KPU students are qualified to work with the latest pump technology.
“Grundfos Canada was impressed with KPU‘s innovative and professional programs,” said Simon Feddema, General Manager of Grundfos Canada. “We look forward to partnering with the school in the years ahead as we together work on developing the next generation of trade professionals.”
Added Jeff Norris, KPU’s Chief Advancement Officer: “KPU is extremely grateful for the support of Grundfos. We offer them our sincere thanks for taking a leadership role in ensuring that the next generation of trades people in our province receive the best possible training. Partnerships like these make a tangible difference in the education we offer our students and we are proud they chose KPU for this investment.”
KPU Tech – the university’s Cloverdale trades and technology campus – offers three levels of plumbing apprenticeship training with a fourth level currently under development. The in-school training for each level is six weeks and includes a final exam. The pathway to becoming a plumber generally takes four years to complete to complete the training and achieve the necessary work experience.
Plumbing apprentices are eligible to write the Red Seal inter-provincial exam upon completion of their training and 6,420 work-experience hours.
About Grundfos
With an annual production of more than 16 million pumps, Grundfos is a global leader in advanced pump solutions and a trendsetter in water technology. Since its inception in 1945, the company has flourished from one small factory in Bjerringbro, Denmark to a global corporation comprising more than 80 companies and over 18,000 employees. In 2012, Grundfos reported net revenues totalling $4 billion. Grundfos media release.
KPU has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses — Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley — offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 18,000 students annually have a choice from over 145 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations. Learn more at www.kpu.ca.
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Caption: Grundfos Canada president Simon Feddema explains the workings of the company’s high-efficient MAGNA3 circular pump to KPU plumbing students Ravinder Walia, Richard Baziuk and Aws Elmakayed while plumbing instructor Sven Rohde observes.
For more information, contact:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist
604.599.2883
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca