Metro Vancouver, B.C. – In an industry seeking more talent than what’s available, Arc’teryx Equipment Inc. is investing in B.C.’s next generation of skilled designers.
With a $20,000 donation to Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), the leading North Vancouver-based outdoor equipment and sporting wear company established the Arc’teryx Pursuit of Perfection Endowed Award to support local technical talent.
“We’ve been incredibly fortunate to have been able to hire some very talented students through our current internship program with KPU. As a fast-growing company, we know that to maintain our brand position as a global leader in technical apparel, we need to invest in developing and ensuring that we have a constant pipeline of that local talent coming to us. This is the first step in that direction,” said Jennifer Martin, director of HR for Arc’teryx.
The endowment will provide a $1,000 award every year in perpetuity for a third- or fourth-year Wilson School of Design student enrolled in KPU’s fashion design and technology program. The company also hopes it will create an opportunity to build long-lasting relationships with designers interested in creating top-quality, high-performing apparel.
Nancy Fedoruk graduated from KPU in 2011, and currently serves as design developer for Arc’teryx’s Essentials and Traverse team. Her career started with the opportunity to intern with the company as a student.
“I was constantly learning both at school and work, which kept me motivated to succeed. I always knew technical apparel was where I wanted to be in the fashion industry, and Arc’teryx is at the top of the list when it comes to innovation and quality,” Fedoruk said. “My internship really gave me the opportunity to apply and hone my skill set before graduation, and that was extremely valuable.”
Through its endowed award, Arc’teryx aims to support local up-and-coming designers who are harnessing the skills the region’s apparel industry desperately needs. It’s also part of the proudly Canadian company’s investment in “trade, city and country,” explains Shirley Chan, director of product commercialization and quality .
“Apparel trade is a skill and an art, and the apparel trade in Vancouver has lost its way,” she said. “Watching our talent trickle outside the province because we can’t fuel talent is not what we want to see. This is not just a problem exclusive to Arc’teryx – it’s a problem within our country and industry as a whole.”
The first Arc’teryx Pursuit of Perfection award is scheduled for this year, and will go to a student who is passionate about and skilled in craftsmanship, drafting and sewing.
For more information about KPU’s Wilson School of Design programs, visit: kpu.ca/design.
The KPU Foundation builds community and corporate partnerships that benefit students, support faculty and enhance education. Each year, hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships and awards are given to students across disciplines. More on the KPU Foundation is available at kpu.ca/foundation.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 124 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at www.kpu.ca.
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