This month’s newsletter highlights how learning at NVIT is deeply rooted in connection - connection to community, culture, and each other. Across campus, students and staff continue to engage in experiences that strengthen relationships, build practical skills, and honour shared values. Whether through hands on projects, community involvement, or culturally grounded learning, these stories reflect NVIT’s commitment to education that extends far beyond the classroom. Together, they show a community growing stronger through collaboration, respect, and meaningful action. We invite readers to celebrate these moments and continue fostering the spirit of learning, kindness, and togetherness that defines NVIT.
WHAT HAPPENED ON CAMPUS?
Carpentry Students Complete 24‑Week RCST
Program With Hands‑On Community Impact
NVIT proudly celebrates the latest cohort of students who have completed the 24 week Residential Construction Carpentry Foundation Program (RCST), a transformative learning experience designed to build practical skills, confidence, and pathways into the skilled trades
Over the past six months, students have taken on ambitious real‑world
Check out the upcoming events and workshops happening at both NVIT’s Merritt and Vancouver campuses at nvit.ca/events
projects that not only strengthened their technical skills, but also contributed meaningfully to the community.
Building Skills Through Real Projects
Throughout the program, students had the opportunity to work on a wide range of construction tasks, including:
NICOLA VALLEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
MONTHLYNEWSLETTER
WHAT HAPPENED ON CAMPUS?
Construction of the Staircase Connecting the Trades Building to the Welding Trailer
Students played a key role in constructing the new staircase that links the Trades Building to the Welding Trailer area. This project emphasized precision, safety, and structural reliability, giving students valuable experience in building functional access structures used daily on campus.
Dog Houses for Community Partners
In addition to their classroom learning, students constructed durable, high quality dog houses that were generously donated to a local community partner. These builds gave students a chance to practice framing, roofing, and finishing techniques, while giving back to families and organizations in need
Supporting Work on the Elders’ Sweat House
Students gained hands on experience helping with elements of the construction and maintenance of the Elders’ sweat house, a culturally significant structure on campus. This work allowed students to engage in meaningful service while learning about traditional and practical building considerations.
Concrete Forming at the Trades Building
The cohort also assisted with building concrete forms for the new cement pad at the trades building, an essential skill for residential and commercial construction. This task helped strengthen their understanding of layout, formwork, reinforcement, and site preparation.
Field Trip to Golden, BC
One highlight of the program was a field trip to Golden, where students visited the facility manufacturing and laminating the flooring that will soon be installed in a new daycare building Seeing industry processes firsthand helped students connect the dots between foundational skills and large scale production
Culminating Project: Training Apartment Complex
To cap off their learning, students framed a 12 unit “training apartment complex”, a small scale structure designed specifically for cross program learning at NVIT.
These framed units will now serve as residential electrical training spaces for future Electrical Foundation Program students, creating an innovative hands on environment where trades students can learn from each other's work.
Certification and Next Steps
Students who completed the Residential Construction Carpentry Foundation Program will receive recognized hours and Level 1 certification from Skilled Trades BC, giving them a strong head start on apprenticeship pathways With industry ready skills and real project experience, these students are well‑prepared to continue their trades journey.
Celebrating a Job Well Done
NVIT is proud of the dedication, teamwork, and craftsmanship shown by this year’s RCST students. Their projects strengthen our campus, support the community, and create shared learning spaces for future cohorts.
Congratulations to all our students on completing this intensive and meaningful program. We can’t wait to see where your skills take you next.
WHAT HAPPENED ON CAMPUS?
Pink Shirt Pink Shirt Day Day Pink Shirt Day
Why Pink Shirt Day Matters
Pink Shirt Day began in Canada when two high school students took a stand after learning a classmate was bullied for wearing pink. Their small act of kindness grew into an international movement reminding us that even the simplest gestures can spark change.
At NVIT, days like this highlight how important it is to support one another, speak up, and show empathy in our everyday interactions.
NVIT Celebrates Pink Shirt Day with Kindness, Community, and Connection
NVIT came together in a wave of pink as staff gathered in the library to recognize Pink Shirt Day, a national movement promoting kindness and taking a stand against bullying. The library was filled with bright pink shirts, laughter, and conversations as colleagues connected in support of this year’s message: Lift each other up.
To make the afternoon even more enjoyable, snacks and a casual social were provided, creating a warm and welcoming environment for staff to relax, chat, and reflect on why kindness matters in our campus community. It was a simple but meaningful opportunity to reinforce NVIT’s commitment to creating safe, respectful spaces for everyone.
WHAT HAPPENED ON CAMPUS?
Dawn and Snow Represent NVIT at Teck’s HeForShe Roundtable During PDAC 2026
WrittenbyDawnHutchinson
Dawn Hutchinson and Snow Diablo contributed their early career perspectives at Teck’s HeForShe Roundtable during PDAC 2026, The World’s Premier Mineral Exploration and Mining Convention, held in Toronto from March 1 to 4
Hosted by Teck President and CEO Jonathan Price and moderated by Chief Inclusion Officer Jackie Scales, the roundtable brought together students, early career professionals and industry leaders to discuss building a gender equal future in mining.
Through small group discussions, participants shared perspectives on mentorship, access to career opportunities after education, and the importance of meaningful allyship, particularly the role of male allies in fostering inclusive workplace culture and supporting women’s leadership in the mining industry.
WHAT HAPPENED ON CAMPUS?
Learning Through Fire: NVIT ENRT Students Observe Cultural Burn Project
A three-year cultural burn project near Merritt is set to conclude this spring, bringing valuable hands-on learning opportunities for students at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology.
Led by the BC Wildfire Service in partnership with the Lower Nicola Indian Band, the initiative has treated 249 hectares of land located approximately six kilometres west of Merritt, near Highways 8 and 97C. The final 50 hectares may be burned as early as March 2, depending on weather and site conditions.
For students in NVIT’s Environmental Resources Technology Department, the cultural burn provides a rare opportunity to observe and learn from live fire operations in a carefully planned and controlled environment. The project supports cross-training between BCWS and Lower Nicola Indian Band firefighters while also allowing students to witness the practical application of Indigenous-led land stewardship practices
Cultural burning plays an important role in reducing fuel loads in wildland-urban interface areas, improving grazing conditions, and supporting the regrowth of traditional foods and plants. By participating in and observing this work, NVIT learners gain direct experience in fuel management, ecosystem restoration, and community-centred wildfire mitigation.
As smoke may be visible from Merritt and surrounding highways during operations, the project also serves as a public reminder that fire, when applied with knowledge and care, remains a vital and natural part of many of British Columbia’s ecosystems.
Through partnerships like this, NVIT continues to connect classroom learning with real-world practice, strengthening the next generation of fire and land stewardship professionals
WHAT HAPPENED ON CAMPUS?
STEPS Forward Program: Opportunity for an NVIT Student
NVIT’s STEPS Forward Program is an inclusive education program designed to support students who benefit from individualized learning, skill development, and additional guidance as they work toward greater independence, education, employment, and community involvement
The program offers a supportive and welcoming environment where students can build academic, personal, and life skills at their own pace. Through individualized planning, hands-on learning opportunities, and one-on-one support, STEPS Forward helps students identify their strengths, explore interests, and develop the confidence needed to reach their goals. Learning experiences may include academic skill-building, workplace readiness, communication skills, and community-based activities, depending on each student’s needs and aspirations.
The STEPS Forward Program emphasizes inclusion, respect, and meaningful participation, ensuring students feel valued and supported throughout their learning journey. The program works closely with students to create personalized pathways that reflect their abilities, interests, and future goals
Lynn, from the STEPS Forward Program, is pleased to share that there is currently space available to support one additional student This is a great opportunity for a student who may benefit from inclusive education supports and a flexible, student-centred learning environment
Students, families, and support networks who are interested in learning more are encouraged to explore this opportunity and connect with the STEPS Forward team. More information about the program and NVIT’s inclusive education supports can be found on the NVIT website.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE STEPS FORWARD PROGRAM
Interested NVIT students can learn more about the STEPS Forward Program and inclusive education supports by visiting: www.nvit.ca/apply/know-moreabout-nvit/inclusive-education
CONTINUING STUDIES COURSES
January
- June 2026
BasicFirstAid
8:30AM-4:30PM|MerrittCampus
Friday,March20,2026
Wednesday,April15,2026
Friday,May15,2026
Friday,June19,2026
FOODSAFELevel1
9:00AM-5:00PM|MerrittCampus
Thursday,March26,2026
EXPLORENVIT’S NEWEVENTSPAGE
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COMMUNITYEDUCATION
BRINGING EDUCATION TO YOUR COMMUNITY
Sault St. Marie, ON Keremeos
Kamloops
Lil’wat
Hazelton
Vernon
Williams Lake Lillooet
Vancouver
Bella Coola
Lax Kw’alaams
Prince Rupert
Current Community Deliveries
Smithers
Prince George
Sheshatshiu, NL
Iskut
Whitehorse, YT
Penticton
Sapotowayak (Swan River, Manitoba)
Chase Calgary
Stein Valley Bonaparte First Nation
Dease Lake Tla’zt’ten
Lake Babine
Community Education is an alternative education method for students who wish to continue residing and learning within their own community.
NVIT delivers programming to First Nations communities throughout British Columbia and across Canada.
NVIT’s Community Education model supports and provides students with an opportunity to learn in their own community so that they do not have to relocate in order to further their education NVIT’s Community Education Programming options range from Adult Basic Education to Trades Programs and even the completion of two-year diplomas. For more information visit our Community Education Center today! Or contact coyotetravels@nvit.ca
Some of the programs offered through Community Education
Indigenous Early Childhood Education (IECE)
IECE Micro-Credential
Indigenous Human Service Certificate/Diploma
Indigenous Language Certificate/Diploma
Applied Practical Nursing (APN)
Health Care Assistant (HTCA)
Indigenous Holistic Wellness and Addictions (IHWA)
Certificate/Diploma
Bridging to Trades Program
Construction Trades Sampler
Culinary Arts
College Readiness
Environmental Natural Resource Technology (ENRT)
Medical Office Assistant
Office Administration Certificate (OFAD)
University Transfer
General Arts And MORE!
STUDENT AMBASSADOR
Unlock your leadership potential as an NVIT Student Ambassador!
Develop your interpersonal, creative, and professional skills while making a significant contribution to the NVIT community.
APPLY NOW!
*Compensation provided
GET INVOLVED: STUDENT VOICES NEEDED
Are you a student interested in shaping academic policy at NVIT?
The Policy Committee is seeking student participation to help ensure policies reflect the lived experiences, perspectives, and priorities of NVIT learners.
Serving on the Policy Committee is an opportunity to:
Contribute to discussions on academic policies that impact students
Share your perspective in institutional decision-making
Gain experience in governance and policy development
School District #58 (Merritt Secondary, Princeton Secondary, SCIDES);
School District #74 (Desert Sands Community School, Kumsheen Shch-Ema-meet, Lillooet -Secondary, David Stoddart Secondary);
School District #78 Fraser-Cascade (Hope Secondary, Agassiz Elementary-Secondary & Boston Bar Elementary-Secondary); Logan Lake Secondary; Similkameen Elementary Secondary; A BC First Nations School registered with the BC First Nations Schools Association; or Any secondary school in British Columbia, if the applicant self-identifies as Indigenous
NVIT hosts a variety of internal awards open only to NVIT students. Some awards require you to demonstrate financial need, while others recognize academic achievement, community involvement, or other accomplishments.
Students interested in viewing our list of bursaries and scholarships in more detail, can make an appointment with an Academic and Financial Planner. Application forms for all awards can be downloaded by clicking on their respective links in yellow below.
