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What do hammers, bicycles and lawnmowers have in common? They are all topics in the new Trades General Interest programs launching at ��«Ӱҵ’s Penticton campus this month. The courses provide community members with the opportunity to learn hands-on skills in state-of-the-art trades shops with qualified instructors.

The courses are scheduled in the evening and on weekends. Courses are also available for children in the evening and during summer camps. Participants will gain knowledge in various trades, build projects and learn how to properly use tools.

“We are bringing courses to the South Okanagan so that our community members can have the opportunity to come to campus, learn a new skill and become members of the ��«Ӱҵ community,” said Piper Yacheson, Trades Program Administrator for the South Okanagan. “Before we even started advertising, we already had people signing up for our Small Engine Repair, so we know that this is something people have been wanting from us.”

The College’s Associate Dean of Trades & Apprenticeship, Teresa Kisilevich, and her family members have attended similar general interest courses. She noted that TGI courses fill a particular niche market within trades. “You never know what interest will be sparked by just reading through the list of available courses.”

Just in time for spring clean-up, the small engine repair course will run March 19-26. Other upcoming courses include motorcycle maintenance, building custom-made farm benches and planter boxes and car maintenance for women.

All General Interest classes occur in a safe environment and follow all public health guidelines set out by the province. For more information, or to register, visit the Trades General Interest page.