Born of the need to expand trades training in the Okanagan, and the opportunity to involve community partners to help make that happen, Okanagan College , The Village of Kettle Valley, and Excite Homes have partnered to establish A Home for Learning.
Supported by the Canadian Home Builders' Association and the National New Home Warranty Program, this innovative project has 14 students in Okanagan College 's Residential Construction Program participating in the actual construction of a home at 324 McCarren Avenue in the Kettle Valley subdivision of Kelowna , British Columbia .
The students began in the classroom receiving training on tools and safety and moved to the jobsite May 2005.  They have the opportunity to work with an award-winning contractor - Excite Homes, Inc. - and many sub-trades from excavation to completion. Students are not only receiving valuable hands-on training, but also an Okanagan College certificate in Residential Construction and Level One technical credit towards their carpentry apprenticeship.
Community and industry involvement in the project has been overwhelming. More than 20 companies and organizations have jumped on board as sponsors with many others expressing interest as the project gets underway.
The project is expected to be complete by February 2006 with the net sales proceeds from the 2514 square foot, three-bedroom home, going toward scholarships bursaries, and new equipment to benefit future trades students at Okanagan College.
Click here to view PDF plans of the project.
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