Post-secondary students at 16 colleges, institutes and universities throughout British Columbia will benefit from an investment of $1.3 million to raise awareness of the benefits of work experience among employers and students.

Students at colleges and universities on Vancouver Island will be encouraged to explore co-op opportunities to support their career ambitions.

Ten public post-secondary institutions will receive targeted funding to create short-term coding programs that give students the coding skills in demand by tech employers.

A $500,000 investment will establish scholarships at public post-secondary institutions that encourage women to pursue education that aligns with the needs of the growing tech sector in British Columbia.

The Province is providing $250,000 to continue to support the open education work being done in British Columbia through the Open Textbook Project.

More health-care seats are being added at three public post-secondary institutions on Vancouver Island through one-time funding of $345,000 to ensure that health demands for patients are being met in local communities.          

Students at the University of Victoria (UVic) have saved more than $51,000 through the Open Textbook Project. These educational resources are easily accessed and shared online among students and faculty, and are available in a number of programs including earth and ocean sciences, economics and technology and society.

The Province has proclaimed March 7 as BC Colleges Day. It is an opportunity to acknowledge the critical role colleges in British Columbia play in connecting students of all ages to the education and training they need to secure a prosperous future.

Louie Thomas Sr. is enrolled in Camosun College’s automotive service technician program, but he kick started his education by first taking community-based training. The Getting Ready for Tomorrow program was held at the Esquimalt Nation Band’s office.

Greater numbers of international students are selecting British Columbia as their study destination.