The holiday season is a time when British Columbians reflect on what the year past has brought them and look to new opportunities that lie ahead. Many will decide the time is right to get post-secondary education and training, and that decision has never been more important.

A total of 85 communities throughout B.C. will benefit from $2.4 million in funding toward community adult-literacy programs that will support adults wishing to improve their literacy and numeracy skills.

Students in B.C. have even more to look forward to this back-to-school season as free open textbooks hit up to $2 million in overall student savings.

Students on Vancouver Island who face barriers to education and training, such as physical or learning disabilities, will benefit from a range of programs focused on helping them succeed at their studies and get the skills they need to find fulfilling and in-demand jobs.

Aboriginal students at Royal Roads University will benefit from a range of new and expanded programs and services as a result of the university receiving $75,000 in one-time funding from the Province.

A new orientation manual for public post-secondary institutions has been developed to provide guidance and support effective governance throughout the province.

The Government of British Columbia announced the appointment of a commissioner under the Private Training Act (PTA) to serve as an avenue of appeal for private training institutions for certain decisions made by the registrar.

The Private Training Act will be brought into force through regulation effective Sept. 1, 2016, and will benefit students and private training institutions, including language schools.

Programs to train cooks, chefs and bakers are now eligible under the B.C. Access Grant for Labour Market Priorities.