The Ministry of Advanced Education is funding partnerships that connect Aboriginal students with education and training programs in their communities. These programs provide Aboriginal learners with work-ready skills such as basic computer literacy, as well as skills needed for jobs in sectors such as construction, tourism and education.

More than 180 Aboriginal learners in the Vancouver Island – B.C. Coast Region are receiving training in their communities through programs that will prepare them for jobs in sectors such as construction, forestry and eco-tourism.

Canadians will be better equipped for the well-paying middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow as a result of a $13.8-million investment in the College of New Caledonia for a new heavy-mechanical trades-training facility.

Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson made the following statement in recognition of the 50th anniversary of Selkirk College:

Students at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) will benefit from hands-on learning opportunities following a government investment in new industry-standard trades training equipment, including replacement high-precision machining equipment.

Construction of a new $122.65-million campus for Emily Carr University of Art and Design is nearly 50% complete.

The electrical and power engineering programs at the College of New Caledonia (CNC) will receive a funding boost of $151,600 from the provincial government to support in-demand occupations that support the provincial economy.

Northwest Community College (NWCC) is receiving $269,850 toward the purchase of new training equipment that will prepare health-care and trades students with the skills needed to succeed in the workforce.

The Co-op Student of the Year awards recognize a B.C. or Yukon Co-op student who demonstrates an outstanding level of achievement in their co-operative education work placement experience; combined with a strong academic record, volunteer activities, and significant contributions to promoting co-operative education in their school and in the community.

Four public post-secondary institutions are partnering with seven Aboriginal communities in the Vancouver Island – B.C. Coast region to deliver programs that will help prepare 124 Aboriginal learners for jobs in the skilled trades and forestry.