Thousands of workers and people in British Columbia will get the opportunity to enter the clean economy and learn electric vehicle (EV) automotive trades at a new innovative centre at Vancouver Community College (VCC) following a significant investment from the Province.

British Columbians will benefit from a stronger economy, educational relationships with international partners, and people-to-people ties, following an education mission to Southeast Asia by Selina Robinson, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.

More people will be able to access new and enhanced resources and programming to support entering the trades and to help complete their apprenticeships through a $5-million provincial investment.

People with international credentials will be better supported to get their professional credentials recognized in B.C. and start working sooner in their field.

More people will have access to work-integrated learning opportunities, such as co-ops, internships, practicums and community-service-learning opportunities as the Province partners with 13 of B.C.’s public post-secondary institutions.

More people are now able to acquire new or upgraded post-secondary skills or knowledge in English, math and science to meet their career goals through Adult Basic Education and English Language Learning Pathways at public post-secondary institutions.

Simon Fraser University (SFU) students now have access to more on-campus housing with the opening of a new residence hall at the Burnaby campus, reducing housing pressures in the community.

A new process will identify potential trades to be designated for skilled trades certification in the next step to strengthen the skilled trades for workers and businesses.