Government is providing nearly $20 million to help B.C. school districts extend the life of their facilities and school-based assets, Education Minister Mike Bernier announced today while speaking at the BC School Superintendents Association’s Summer Leadership Academy in Kelowna.

It was double-happiness at Mar Jok Elementary school today, as students and staff, along with representatives from the Central Okanagan board of education and the District of West Kelowna, celebrated the official opening of their school on the first day of the Chinese New Year.

Facing a need for administrative employees in the Kelowna area, the Okanagan Education Centre is receiving more than $224,000 in provincial Community and Employer Partnership funding to help at least 20 people get work experience in that area.

As part of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, Okanagan College will be adding 203 training spaces to increase access and reduce waitlists for trades critical to the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector and other industries.

Students in the Okanagan who want to learn a trade are getting a helping hand with more than $367,000 in one-time funding for 88 foundation seats in targeted trades training courses during 2013-14.

Education Minister Peter Fassbender joined officials from the Central Okanagan school district today as they toured the construction sites of a new elementary school and secondary school addition scheduled to welcome students next fall.