British Columbia's newest centre of excellence is dedicated to agriculture, with construction progressing at the University of the Fraser Valley on a brand-new barn and greenhouses after an investment of $1 million by government.

A new ventilation system at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) is reducing energy consumption and lowering greenhouse gas emissions as students train for a career in the welding industry.

Commercial truck and transport mechanic apprentices at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) will have more training under their belts when they first enter the workplace thanks to an innovative apprenticeship pilot.

International education continues to grow in British Columbia with a 13-per-cent increase in international students since 2010, a 17-per-cent increase in spending by international students, and the launch of a revamped website that helps B.C. students connect with opportunities to study abroad.

Advanced Education Minister Amrik Virk joined paramedic students in training exercises during a visit to the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) in New Westminster on November 15th. Virk also spoke to a class of law enforcement studies students, and learned more about the training JIBC is providing for British Columbia's next public safety and justice professionals.

Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour Shirley Bond and Minister of Advanced Education Amrik Virk have issued the following statement in recognition of Skilled Trades and Technology Week, Nov. 4-10, 2013.