Canada's first hands-on home improvement skills training program for consumers
Founded by master contractor & HGTV expert, Jim Caruk
Pilot location now open at Lowe's in Vaughan, Ontario
Customised Curriculum Designed by Conestoga College - The Official Learning Partner of BiY
www.biyworkshops.com www.lowes.ca www.conestogac.on.ca
TORONTO, April 16, 2013 /CNW/ - Lowe's Canada, together with The Caruk Group of Companies, today announced the launch of Build-It-Yourself Learning Centres (BiY), the country's first hands-on skills training program dedicated to fostering the spirit of lifelong learning, confidence and independence in Canada's outspoken community of home improvement enthusiasts.
Owned and operated by Build-it-Yourself Learning Centres Inc., and proudly supported by Lowe's Canada, the BIY pilot location is now open at the Lowe's Vaughan, Ontario store. The engaging classroom space - with workstations, a full range of tools, equipment, and presentation facilities - is currently busy with an inaugural schedule of workshops. With courses ranging from Tiling Essentials, Plumbing Basics, Upholstery, Flooring, Interior Trim, Drywall, Pro-Painting Techniques, to General Home Maintenance, and much more, the BiY program brings to life a unique brand activation strategy, and a fresh approach to building lasting customer relationships.
"We're delighted to welcome the BiY program to Lowe's," said Sylvain Prud'homme, President, Lowe's Canada. "Their inclusive, hands-on approach to customer experience aligns powerfully with our own values, and with our commitment to one-on-one support for the home improvement goals of all Canadians. We're looking forward to growing the program at selected Lowe's stores in Southern Ontario throughout 2013."
Founded by master contractor & HGTV expert, Jim Caruk, BiY emerged in direct response to overwhelming fan feedback on the absence of specialised home improvement skills training options. Now, for novice and seasoned enthusiasts alike, BiY delivers with unprecedented access to a wide variety of customised, hands-on workshops that ensure projects get done safely, correctly and with confidence.
"Our entire team is thrilled to be working with Lowe's in making BiY a reality," said Jim Caruk, Founder of Build-it-Yourself Learning Centres. "Their leadership in supporting the program has been inspiring. Together, we're set to connect the Canadian home improvement community to something exciting, something made just for them."
The power behind BiY's "We Teach You How" promise is a professional, college-modelled curriculum written by international leaders in skilled trades education, Conestoga College. Comprised of unique deliverables, measurement and outcomes, each BiY workshop is designed to support meaningful progress, and student success.
All workshops are delivered exclusively by the BiY network of accredited tradespeople, teachers and industry experts.
Additional BiY locations in Southern Ontario will be opened at Lowe's stores in West Scarborough and London in 2013.
Build-it-Yourself Learning Centres are proudly partnered with sponsors Elmer's, Kohler, Stanley DeWALT, and Valspar.
Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe's is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world, serving approximately 15 million customers a week in its more than 1,745 stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Lowe's Companies Canada, ULC first opened Canadian stores in December 2007 and now operates 34 stores in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia with more than 5,000 employees company-wide.
Headquartered in Toronto, The Caruk Group of Companies is an innovative business leader, creating experiences for diverse communities through their Construction, Publishing, Television Development & Distribution, and Brand Activation divisions.
Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning is Ontario's fastest growing college, serving approximately 55,000 full and part-time students each year through full and part-time studies at campuses and training facilities in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Stratford, Ingersoll, and Brantford. A leader in skilled trades and apprenticeship training, Conestoga hosts Canada's only masonry training centre as well as the Woodworking Centre of Ontario, and provides a full range of programs in such areas as construction and renovation technology, masonry, roofing, plumbing, HRAC, carpentry, and electrical. All programs are developed with the advice and guidance of industry leaders to provide graduates with the skills and knowledge that today's employers need. Conestoga students consistently excel at skills competitions in the region, across the province, and around the world.SSSS
Image with caption: "Lowe's Never Stop Improving (CNW Group/Lowe's Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130416_C5690_PHOTO_EN_25562.jpg
Image with caption: "Build it Yourself Learning Centres (CNW Group/Lowe's Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130416_C5690_PHOTO_EN_25561.jpg
Image with caption: "Jim Caruk- Founder BiY Learning Centres (CNW Group/Lowe's Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130416_C5690_PHOTO_EN_25565.jpg
SOURCE: Lowe's Canada
For Lowe's Canada:
Katie Wagar
416.730.7504
[email protected]
For The Caruk Group of Companies:
Sandra Puglielli
519.307.0838
[email protected]
For Conestoga College:
Brenda Cassidy
519-748-5220 ext 3336
[email protected]
Share this article