Welding instructor Chris Udy is the newly-appointed interim director of trades, technology and industry training for North Island College.

His appointment ensures the continued health and success of NIC trades, technology and industry training.

"Chris has exemplified instructional excellence as a welding faculty member at the Campbell River campus for the last 15 years at NIC, and has shown a dedicated commitment to growing his profession," said Lisa Domae, NIC vice-president, learning and students.

Udy is a journeyman metal fabricator and a level A welder by trade. He is Red Seal certified and has taught welding apprenticeship, welding foundation and metal fabrication foundation programs.

"Chris brings to the position a keen understanding of business and industry needs for skilled trades and technologies on Vancouver Island, having operated a very successful metal fabricating business in Campbell River as well as serving as superintendent at the largest, privately-held unionized fabrication and machining facilities on Vancouver Island," Domae said.

Udy's position was created to ensure the continued health and success of NIC's trades, technology and industry training programs during an interim period that allows faculty and staff an opportunity to provide input into the future administrative structure for the division. Udy reports to Cheryl O'Connell in her capacity as interim dean of trades and technology, and dean of continuing education and training.

Udy began serving in his new role on March 2.