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A class of Plumbing and Piping Foundation students is gaining hands-on experience while making OC a safer place.
 
The class is currently at work installing new sprinkler system components in the Electrical Trades Training House and under the mezzanine of the Plumbing and Piping shop in Kelowna.
 
Pacific Western Fire Protection provided the materials and guided the students through the layout and installation process. Owner Brad Westen has also volunteered his time educating the students on sprinkler codes and best practices. 
 
“It’s great to work on a project like this that feels real-world,” says student Zach Brown. “We’re getting good experience doing exactly the type of work we’ll see on the job in the future.”
 
Brown’s fellow students Jimmy Campbell, Tane Purcell and Storm Buck echoed that sentiment, while installing the sprinkler system in the training house on Nov. 24. Says Purcell: “It feels good knowing we’re getting some unique additional training on top of everything else we’re learning. It definitely gives you confidence knowing you’ve had the hands-on experience installing something like this.”
 
As instructor Cemone Bredeson points out, the class hit the ground running with the project.
 
“We had confidence the students could tackle this project and they’ve stepped up and put their skills to work. They’ve worked really well together as a team, and it’s been great to watch their dedication to the project and to see their skills grow,” says Bredeson, who recently shared her perspective as a trades instructor in a Q and A here.
 
“This is a great learning experience for our students and it also demonstrates OC’s community connection – the way in which our industry partners are tied into and support our programming,” adds Brad Oliver, Mechanical Building Trades Chairperson.