(14 photos) Sault College gets it right. With Mike Holmes

Why does Mike Holmes do what he does?

Because he loves it.

That's what the Canadian TV personality and contractor extraordinaire told the audience during an announcement yesterday at Sault College introducing the school's new home inspection technician program.

"To hire someone into the home inspection industry who just doesn't know what they're doing is completely unacceptable," Holmes said. "A two-year college program makes perfect sense to me. It's going to teach them what they need to know, the theory behind it."

According to Holmes, the Sault College program is a huge step forward in ensuring people "make it right."

As a symbol of the new partnership between the college and the Holmes Group, Sault College President Dr. Ron Common presented Holmes with a pair of quintessential Mike Holmes-style overalls embroidered with the Sault College logo.

Following a meet-and-greet with a few students, Holmes toured the Sault College expansion construction site.

Let's hope they made it right.

Full text of a news release issued by the college follows.

************************* Sault College partners with Holmes Group SAULT STE, MARIE, ON (January 31, 2011) - Sault College is pleased to announce its newest partnership with Mike Holmes and the Holmes Group with the college’s new home inspection technician program, the only one of its kind in the province. The two year program, approved by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, was developed in partnership with the Holmes Group and other advisory groups and is endorsed by Mike Holmes.

It will be offered for the first time in September 2011.

Students who enroll in this program will gain the knowledge and practical skills relating to residential home construction with an emphasis on developing the ability to recognize deficiencies present in the structures and systems that may be compromising the building. “Graduates of this program will be qualified and have the competencies required to enter the home inspection field,” states Leo Tiberi, vice president of academic, Sault College. “We thank Mike Holmes and the Holmes group for their endorsement of the program and feel confident that the credentials, knowledge and skills students gain through studying with us will be strong and impactful.”

The Holmes Foundation partners with schools, businesses and governments to raise the profile and reputation of skilled trades in Canada.

Mike Holmes’ reputation as the most trusted Canadian encourages people to pursue careers in the skilled trades and encourage employers to hire them. The mission of the Holmes Foundation is to ensure that all residential renovations and construction in Canada is done right - the first time.

In Canada there is a growing shortage of skilled workers who are needed to fill the roles that are being vacated as an increasing number of trades people retire. “I’m really glad to see Sault College stepping up the plate and creating this program,” says Holmes of his partnership with the college. “A program for home inspectors that’s fully accredited by the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities is long overdue. It’s time to start looking at home inspection as a profession, and to start training people in the way to do it right.” “Sault College has the staff, facilities and expertise needed to support the type of hands-on training this industry requires,” says Colin Kirkwood, dean of environment and technology, Sault College, who will oversee the program. “We look forward to working together with Mike Holmes in this exciting field of study, and very pleased to have the opportunity to deliver a two-year home inspection program.” Applications are now being accepted into this program for fall 2011 at this website.

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