As articles about Canada’s shortage of skilled workers continue to dominate the headlines, the timing couldn’t be better for Okanagan College to announce its newest Dean, Steve Moores, an experienced post-secondary education administrator who will join the College in January to lead Trades and Apprenticeship.

Moores has spent nearly three decades working in education, including 23 years at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), where he held a range of instructional and administrative positions.

Moores began his tenure at NAIT as an instructor in the mechanical trades before becoming Program Chair of the Machinist program. He went on to work on special projects for NAIT, including curriculum and program development, both domestically and internationally and eventually was appointed Associate Dean of the School of Trades.

He holds a Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from San Diego State University, a Bachelor’s degree in Vocational Education from the University of Alberta, and is certified as a Red Seal Machinist Journeyperson.

Moores’ most recent experience took him to Saudi Arabia, where was hired in the role of Dean at Jazan Economic City Polytechnic and was responsible for Vocational Development.

“We are fortunate to have attracted a professional of Steve’s calibre,” said Dr. Andrew Hay, Vice President Education. “His experience and qualifications combined with his vision for the future of Trades training are going to make him a huge asset to our College and community. He is coming to us at a time when we have great opportunities to deliver innovative and practical solutions to meet the needs of our region, province and country.”

In addition to his experience in post-secondary education, Moores has worked as an international consultant, has developed customized training programs and has specialized expertise in the area of oil and gas.
“Okanagan College has an excellent reputation as a progressive leader in post-secondary education and training and I am really looking forward to joining the staff,” said Moores. “I am excited to contribute to the College’s agenda, specifically along the lines of working with industry, First Nations and the ITA to promote the future of trades training to meet the needs of this region and beyond.”

Moores’ experience and background will be of great value as the College moves ahead on the construction of the Trades Training Complex in Kelowna, a $33-million project that includes a renovation and expansion of its current Trades facilities in Kelowna. The project is currently underway with the bulk of new construction to begin next year – the project is on target to be complete by the spring of 2016.

Moores’ first day as Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship will be Jan. 6, 2014.

News from © iNFOnews, 2013