Whitehorse – Cold Climate Innovation (CCI) of the Yukon Research Centre is pleased to announce its first partner in innovation to be granted a US patent, with Canadian patent soon to follow. Boreal Compost Enterprises Ltd. has been granted a patent for the technology behind the Plastic Separator, a machine that removes plastic contaminants from compost and other recycled materials. This Yukon invention is set to have a significant impact on the global composting and recycling industry.

Over the last three years CCI has supported Garret Gillespie, president of Boreal Compost and developer of the Plastic Separator, in making his idea a reality. This machine began as a concept that led to financial support from CCI, enabling applied research and development, business mentoring, and intellectual property counsel. 

ROSS RIVER - Since the January 18th closure of the school building in Ross River, Yukon College’s Dene Cho Kê’endį campus has continued to provide programming at multiple locations in the community, including the College’s Mobile Trades Training Trailer.

“We are grateful to the community, students, and staff, for their patience and understanding as we handle the unexpected closure of our Ross River campus,” said Dr. Deb Bartlette, Vice President Academic and Student Services at Yukon College.

“Until we hear different from Yukon government, we are treating this as a temporary situation. Our focus is on ensuring the delivery of key ongoing programs, such as the Heavy Equipment Mechanic training. Due to this unique situation we must temporarily scale back all other programs and services.”

WHITEHORSE – The Yukon College Board of Governors has approved a 1.8% tuition fee increase to take effect for all credit courses beginning in September 2015.

The price of a course credit will go from $112 to $114. A full year of credit courses will increase by a maximum of $60 (for students taking 5 courses per semester).  Culinary Arts, Renewable Resource Management and Practical Nurse programs will see no tuition fee increase.

"Direction from the Board of Governors is that Yukon College tuition fees not exceed the lowest one third of comparable colleges in Western Canada, and this continues to be the case,” said Jennifer Moorlag, Registrar. “At the same time however, the fixed-costs of providing post-secondary education continue to rise."

Whitehorse – Yukon innovators have a chance to win up to $70,000 for their ideas through the Yukon Innovation Prize. Cold Climate Innovation at Yukon College’s Yukon Research Centre (YRC) and Government of Yukon’s Economic Development have teamed up to support Yukoners whose ideas have an environmental or economic benefit to the Yukon.

Innovators are invited to compete for one of four $10,000 prizes which they can then use to further develop their idea and provide evidence of its technical and economic viability. These four finalists will then submit their refined plans to compete for the grand prize of $60,000, to be used to bring their innovative idea towards commercialization.

WHITEHORSE - The Canadian Forces team is making a confident return to the 51st Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous Community Challenge.

The team previously racked up an impressive series of golds year after year before sitting out the competition in 2013 and 2014, following a stunning defeat in 2012 at the hands of current reigning champs, The Beaver Cleavers from Shay-Per Esthetics. After acting as a ringer for the YG Cabinet team last year, Commander of the Joint Task Force (North) Brigadier-General Greg Loos says he will be fielding his best men and women in a bid to reclaim the top spot.

Yukon Science Institute presents Dr. Amelie Janin, NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Mine Life Cycle, Yukon Research Centre, Yukon College

WHITEHORSE - Yukon College signed an agreement today with the Supply Chain Management Association (SCMA-NWT) that will lead to increased training in Yukon for professionals engaged in Supply Chain Management (procurement, logistics, transportation, operations management, sourcing and contract management).

Under the agreement Yukon College will work with SCMA-NWT to deliver the Supply Management Training diploma program. The program is aimed at entry and intermediate level practitioners, as well as those interested in entering the profession.

Included in the 10-module program are classes in negotiation skills, competitive bidding, contract preparation and management, accounting and finance, marketing, business planning. and communications and relational skills.

Students who attain the diploma may be eligible for entry into the Supply Chain Management Professional Designation program; a master’s level program of the profession.

WHITEHORSE—The Department of Education is pleased to announce an investment of $150,000 in the Water and Wastewater Operator program at Yukon College, an important step in implementing the new Yukon Water Strategy and Action Plan.

“Maintaining and improving access to safe drinking water is a priority for the Yukon government and is of critical importance to Yukon communities,” Minister of Education Elaine Taylor said This is being accomplished through both training and continued investments in water and waste water infrastructure.”

The water industry is a rapidly changing and growing career area in Yukon. The Water and Wastewater Operator program provides a range of courses to train students who are seeking a career in the water industry and to enable experienced industry workers to maintain certification, expand skills and keep up with changing technology.

Whitehorse - Carving our Path, an exhibit by young First Nations artists from the Northern Cultural Expressions Society (NCES) will open Thursday, January 15 in the Hilltop Bistro at Yukon College. The opening is from 4.00 p.m. until 6.00 p.m. with artists in attendance.

The exhibit is a mix of prints, masks, paddles, plaques and panel carvings in the Tlingit and Southern Tutchone traditions. The pieces range in complexity from both beginner and advanced carvers.

“All of the carvers, from the young beginners to our advanced instructors, have chosen pieces that reflect their personal growth as carvers and artists dedicated to First Nations traditions for this show,“ says Colin Teramura, Carving and Education Programs Supervisor with NCES. “They were all eager to participate in a show promoting their contemporary variations of First Nations cultural traditions.”

WHITEHORSE—As part of its commitment to build an inclusive, adaptable and productive workforce, the Yukon government is pleased to announce $850,000 in funding for the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers for the next three years.

“This initiative enables older workers to enter or re-enter the workforce by helping them determine what type of work suits their needs and providing the necessary training,” Minister of Education Elaine Taylor said. “The participants gain employment skills and confidence, and the labour market gains skilled workers.”

The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers program, offered twice a year by Yukon College, helps participants secure employment through skill development and a four-week work placement.