Steve Payne
Build-it-Yourself Learning Centres opening at Lowes
Canadian Contractor canada ProfessionalThe BiY Learning Centres concept was founded by TV renovation star Jim Caruk. After operating independently in recent years, they have now been picked up by Lowe`s Canada which is adding BiY Learning Centres to some of its stores in Southern Ontario
By Kim Laudrum
The first Build-it-Yourself Learning Centre, founded by HGTV star and master contractor Jim Caruk, opened in April at the Vaughan, ON (north of Toronto) location of Lowe`s Canada.
Designed for the home improvement enthusiast, the BiY Learning Centres provide accredited instructor training on specific tasks through a customized curriculum designed by leaders in skilled trades education at Conestoga College. It does not provide accreditation to those who take the program, but it does offer homeowners access to expert contractors.
The BiY Learning Centre at the Vaughan Lowe`s is loaded with workstations, tools and equipment. Industry suppliers Elmer`s, Kohler, Stanley DeWalt and Valspar are sponsors of the venture.
Program fees vary from $79 for a 90-minute seminar on how to fix your bathroom to $589 for a 24-hour workshop on renovation essentials. Courses offered include: Tiling Essentials, Plumbing Basics, Upholstery, Flooring, Interior Trim, Drywall, Professional Painting Techniques and General Home Maintenance.
The next two Lowe`s outlets to get their own Build-it-Yourself Learning Centres are London, ON and Scarborough West, ON. Additional Lowe`s stores will be added once they are up and running.
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