BCIT is pleased to announce Canadian Industrial Mills Services (CIMS) and Ideal Welders Ltd.’s donations of $100,000 to the Institute to support the development of the new Trades and Technology Complex.
In recognition of the extraordinary partnerships with CIMS and Ideal Welders and to celebrate their transformative gifts, BCIT Foundation hosted an event honouring the two industry leaders and their commitment to the BCIT INSPIRE Campaign.
Their gifts will help fund the new $33 million BCIT Trades and Technology Complex. Once completed, the Complex will provide hundreds of new full-time student spots annually to address the growing demand for skilled trades professionals in BC over the next decade. The Complex will feature leading-edge learning tools, advanced technology, and revitalized spaces designed to foster integrated learning and simulate real-world environments, supporting innovation in skilled trades, engineering, applied learning, and research.
Industry impacting the future of trades through philanthropic giving
These generous contributions underscore the importance of industry involvement in advancing trades education. CIMS and Ideal Welders’ gifts are helping bring BCIT’s vision to life by empowering people, inspiring progress, and shaping the workforce of BC.
A special thank you to Jim Longo, founder of Ideal Welders, John McLaughlin, founder of CIMS, and members of the CIMS and Ideal Welders’ teams for helping shape the future of trades.
Dr. Jeff Zabudsky, President, BCIT
“Bold initiatives like the Trades and Technology Complex are made possible through the generosity of donors like CIMS and Ideal Welders. Their commitment to educational excellence ensures our learners are set up for success to meet the labour needs of today and the future.”
Dr. Guido Wimmers, Dean, BCIT School of Construction and the Environment
“As trades leaders in North America, CIMS and Ideal Welders understand the value of investing back into the industry and paving the way forward. Their contribution is instrumental in shaping the future of BCIT students and trades education in BC.”
Jim Longo, Founder, Ideal Welders
“As a proud BCIT alumnus, I’m honoured to be here today and support the school that’s helped me along my trades journey. It is gratifying to give back to the Institution that helped me build my career and to support the students who will become the next leaders in trades.”
John McLaughlin, Founder, CIMS
“It’s an incredible feeling to be giving back to the very place where I discovered my passion for trades. I feel extremely proud to be able to support the next generation of students and invest in the BCIT community and in industry.”
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About Canadian Industrial Mills Services Ltd.
Canadian Industrial Mills Services (CIMS) is a Canadian-owned and operated leader in construction and renewable energy specializing in industrial construction and maintenance throughout North America. Since 1991, CIMS has delivered safe, high-quality in sectors such as such as oil and gas, pulp and paper, mining and smelting, power generation, and chemicals. The company has steadily expanded with multiple locations across Western Canada and with over 1,200 employees. Learn more at cimsltd.com.
About Ideal Welders Ltd.
Ideal Welders is a British Columbia owned and operated company, located on Annacis Island in Delta. With over 50 years of expertise, Ideal Welders has built a reputation for being the premier pressure vessel and power piping fabrication company in the province. As one of the largest fabrication companies in Western Canada, the company continues to expand with three facilities totalling over 220,000 square feet and employing more than 200 people including craft tradesmen who are BC pressure welding certified. Learn more at idealwelders.com.
About the British Columbia Institute of Technology
For nearly 60 years, the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) has been delivering flexible, relevant, and future-proof education that prepares learners to provide applied solutions to industry challenges. As one of BC’s largest post-secondary institutes with five campuses, more than 300 programs, and over 45,000 students enrolled each year, BCIT connects education, industry, and government in building an agile workforce with sustained and meaningful impact. Learn more at bcit.ca.
About the INSPIRE Campaign
The BCIT INSPIRE Campaign is the largest fundraising initiative in BCIT history. Focused on raising funds for three pillars—Access and Inclusion, Teaching and Learning Innovation, and Campus Redevelopment—the Campaign is creating a new future at BCIT as a destination for applied learning. Through INSPIRE, the BCIT Foundation is helping today’s students become tomorrow’s leaders and continues to receive strong philanthropic support from industry, alumni, and individuals who recognize the importance of BCIT to the economic prosperity of BC. Learn more about the INSPIRE Campaign, including ways to join in building a strong and impactful community of philanthropy.