Ketza Construction has donated $250,000 to Yukon University, it was announced Monday.

The money will be used in support of the carpentry programming and students’ success, the university announced.

“As a locally owned and operated company, we know the value to our community of hiring locally for our building projects,” Ketza president Peter Densmore said in a press release.

“The comprehensive trades training available at Yukon University has for many years provided, and continues to provide, the construction industry here with quality apprentices and entry-level trades people.”

Interim university president Dr. Maggie Matear said the donation highlights the value of trades training to communities across the Yukon, as well as the importance of trades in the hybrid university model.

In honour of Ketza’s donation, Matear said, the carpentry shop will be named the Ketza Construction Carpentry Shop. It will be the first physical space at the university to be named after a donor.

“Half of the donation from Ketza Construction will directly support carpentry programming and half will support other YukonU priorities related to student development and success,” says the release.

Densmore said his company was thrilled to make the donation in support of student and apprentice success at YukonU.

The press release says YukonU, in partnership with the Yukon and federal governments, has expanded apprenticeship training to include all levels of carpentry, electrical, welding, heavy equipment technician, and pipe trades.

It has also introduced millwright pre-apprentice and introduction to mine operations training. 

YukonU offers more than 50 degree, diploma, certificate and trades programs.