The Province of British Columbia has announced a significant $32 million investment to revitalize engineering technology facilities at Camosun College's Interurban campus, marking a key step in modernizing hands-on learning for aspiring engineers. This funding, channeled through the Ministry of Infrastructure, targets critical upgrades to aging infrastructure, ensuring students in high-demand fields like civil and mechanical engineering technology gain access to state-of-the-art labs and equipment that mirror real-world industry standards.

Camosun College, located in Victoria and serving over 18,000 learners annually across two campuses, plays a pivotal role in Vancouver Island's post-secondary landscape. Its School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) delivers practical, applied programs that bridge classroom theory with workplace readiness. The engineering technology diplomas, in particular, equip graduates with the technical skills needed for roles as technologists and technicians—professionals who support engineers in designing, testing, and implementing projects in construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure development.

Understanding Engineering Technology Programs at Camosun

Engineering technology programs differ from traditional engineering degrees by emphasizing applied skills over pure theory. At Camosun, the Civil Engineering Technology Diploma (two years full-time) prepares students for careers in site development, structural drafting, surveying, and project management. Similarly, the Mechanical Engineering Technology Diploma focuses on manufacturing processes, machine design, fluid mechanics, and automation systems. These programs combine classroom instruction with extensive lab work, where students use computer-aided design (CAD) software, build prototypes, and conduct tests on materials and structures.

Currently, these programs serve around 328 students, reflecting steady demand despite broader enrollment challenges at the college. Graduates enjoy strong employment outcomes, with Camosun's overall rates hovering between 77% and 83% within nine months of completion, often aligning closely with or surpassing provincial averages for similar fields. In British Columbia, civil engineering technologists benefit from full-time employment rates of 95%, far above the occupational average, driven by ongoing infrastructure projects like highways, bridges, and urban developments.

Details of the Engineering Relocation Project

Dubbed the Engineering Relocation Project, this initiative involves a two-phase renovation of two key buildings: the Jack White Building (built in the early 1970s) and the Technologies Building (opened in 1992). Phase 1 targets the Jack White Building, transforming former trades-training areas into specialized labs and shops for mechanical engineering technology. This includes new industrial labs, classrooms, computer labs, and expanded shop spaces. Phase 2 will modernize the Technologies Building, home to both civil and mechanical programs, with additional labs, four new classrooms, and three computer labs equipped for simulation and design software.

The upgrades address decades of wear, replacing outdated HVAC systems, electrical infrastructure, and lab fixtures while incorporating sustainable features like energy-efficient lighting and materials. This will extend the buildings' lifespan by decades, creating flexible spaces for collaborative design, prototyping, testing, and problem-solving.

These enhancements ensure that civil engineering technology students can practice surveying techniques, soil analysis, and structural modeling using tools like total stations, GIS software, and 3D printers—essentials in today's construction sector. Mechanical students will gain proficiency in CNC machining, robotics, and thermodynamics testing, directly transferable to industries like aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy.

Project Timeline and Construction Logistics

Construction kicks off in fall 2026 for Phase 1 at the Jack White Building, with completion targeted for early 2028. This minimizes disruptions by relocating programs temporarily within the campus. Phase 2 follows immediately in early 2028 on the Technologies Building, wrapping up by spring 2029. The province's full funding covers design, permitting, construction, and commissioning, with local jobs created during the build phase—estimated in the dozens for skilled trades workers.

• Fall 2026: Site preparation and Jack White renovations begin
• Early 2028: Jack White complete; Technologies Building starts
• Spring 2029: Full project handover, programs fully operational

Direct Benefits for Students and Educators

For students like Makayla Silvey, a mechanical engineering technology learner, modern facilities build confidence and practical expertise. "Having access to modern labs and learning spaces makes a real difference," she noted. "When the equipment reflects the workplace, it helps develop the hands-on skills employers seek."

Educators will benefit from versatile spaces supporting innovative teaching methods, such as project-based learning and industry partnerships. Camosun Provost Richard Stride emphasized, "These upgrades create modern, flexible spaces where students can design, build, test, and collaborate—critical for preparing graduates with practical skills B.C. needs." Enhanced safety features, like improved ventilation and ergonomic workstations, will also support faculty retention in technical fields.

Aligning with BC's Labour Market Demands

British Columbia faces persistent shortages in engineering technologists, fueled by major projects under the Look West strategy—including LNG expansions, clean energy initiatives, and housing infrastructure. Civil engineering technologists are projected to see moderate to good prospects through 2026, with employment growth of 1.3% annually to 2035. Mechanical roles are equally vital in manufacturing and automation, where technologists bridge design and production.

Camosun's programs already boast strong alignment with provincial labour needs, as per recent monitoring reports. Upgraded facilities will boost capacity, potentially increasing graduates by 10-20% to meet demands from employers like the Capital Regional District and private firms in Victoria's growing tech sector. For more on the project, see the official provincial announcement.

BC's Broader Post-Secondary Infrastructure Push

This investment is part of over $4 billion committed since 2017 to post-secondary infrastructure, including $2 billion for student housing (nearly 7,300 beds) and campus renewal. Budget 2026 maintains capital spending at $52.9 billion over three years, prioritizing skilled trades and technology training amid economic growth goals. While operating grants saw modest increases (0.46%), infrastructure like Camosun's project underscores a focus on facilities supporting high-priority sectors.

In context, similar upgrades at other BC colleges—such as equipment investments at Vancouver Island University—highlight a provincial strategy to retain talent locally. Check Camosun's details in their news release.

Navigating Enrollment Challenges at Camosun

Despite this boost, Camosun faces headwinds: a 60% drop in international enrollment (from 2,200 to 930) due to federal caps, necessitating a $7.2-9 million budget reduction for 2026/27. Leadership prioritizes retirements over layoffs, maintaining core supports while adjusting offerings. Infrastructure gains like this project provide a counterbalance, enhancing appeal to domestic students in trades and tech.

Stakeholder Reactions and Expert Views

Minister Bowinn Ma hailed the project for "strengthening community foundations." Post-Secondary Minister Jessie Sunner linked it to workforce readiness for major projects. Saanich South MLA Lana Popham stressed hands-on training's role in economic growth. These perspectives reflect bipartisan support for applied education in colleges.

Industry groups, including the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies (ACEC)-BC, welcome such investments, noting technologists' role in project delivery. A Times Colonist report underscores the urgency given building ages.

Future Implications and Opportunities

By 2029, Camosun's upgraded facilities will position it as a hub for engineering technology on Vancouver Island, potentially attracting partnerships with firms in clean tech and infrastructure. Graduates will enter a market with 8,300 projected openings nationally for technologists through 2033, bolstered by BC's construction boom.

• Increased program capacity for growing domestic demand
• Enhanced employability with industry-aligned training
• Sustainable buildings reducing long-term costs
• Local job creation during construction
• Support for BC's economic engine ambitions

This project exemplifies how targeted infrastructure can sustain quality education amid fiscal pressures, offering actionable insights for other Canadian colleges: prioritize applied programs, seek capital grants, and adapt to enrollment shifts through efficiency.

Photo by Arno Senoner on Unsplash