About Kimberlite Career and Technical Centre

Yellowknife Catholic Schools (YCS) realized that it needed to round out programming to better meet the needs of some students. An environment which would foster and produce pre-trades ready students for the northern workforce was needed. The environment needed to not only allow students to have exposure, experience and experiment in the trades but also demonstrate the relationship between academics and hands on learning.

Actual construction started in December 2003, but fundraising, programming and planning for the centre started long before that. De Beers Canada, planning for the opening of their diamond mine in the fall of 2007, announced in April of 2003 that they would make a $500,000 contribution to the centre (picture). De Beer’s significant contribution became the catalyst for the project and other partners followed in succession. Diavik Diamond Mines announced that they would ‘adopt’ the welding shop.

Doors opened January 2004 and the facility was officially opened in April 2004 with over 40 sponsors, students and partners cutting the 80 foot ribbon. More partners, including BHP Billiton, came on board later.

Space became an issue almost immediately. In the spring of 2006, De Beers Canada again took a lead role and spearheaded the $1.5 million fundraising for the expansion. They invited 7 of their prominent business partners to join them in raising $750,000 and then encouraged the GNWT to match the funds. In April 2006 the expansion was completed, doubling the space of the facility.