Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.

Local Firms Support Trades Centre

Jun 22, 2018 | 5:41 PM

(Photo L to R: Jim Hamilton; Okanagan College President, Brian Postill; third generation R.E. Postill & Sons Owner, Linsey Johannson, Jamie Johannson, Braden Nixon and Mike Tindall)

They’ve been operating in Vernon for generations, now R.E. Postill & Sons and Postill Nixon Earthworks have handed over a 25-thousand-dollar cheque for the new Trades Centre, being built on Okanagan College’s Vernon campus.

“It’s really important to support the community that has been supporting us for 75 years,” said Linsey Johannson, co-owner the two firms and the great granddaughter of Russell Eugene Postill, who founded R.E. Postill in 1944.

“We work in trades, and we know the value of having skilled trades people,” said Braden Johannson, another co-owner. “This state-of-the-art centre will provide an opportunity for young people to get a quality education locally without having to move away, saving them money and making education more accessible.”

“We’re grateful for this generous gift from two Vernon families and companies whose contributions to the region span decades and industries,” said Michael Tindall, chair of the Okanagan College Foundation’s Bright Horizons Building for Skills Campaign “Because of their support, and many others like them, we’re now $60,000 from our campaign goal.”

The $6.2 million trades centre will have the capacity to train approximately 150 students per year.

Tindall says the first class in the new centre is expected to start in early August.