On July 31, the Ministry of Advanced Education announced $164,000 in additional funding for College of the Rockies foundation and apprenticeship welding programs. On August 1, East Kootenay MLA Bill Bennett stopped by the College’s welding shop with College President and CEO David Walls to see where the funds will be utilized. An additional 16 welder foundation seats and 16 welder apprenticeship seats will be made available as a result of the new funding.