Government announced approval for new trades training facilities at the Silver King Campus of Selkirk College that will support students pursuing in-demand careers in a range of sectors that support a strong, diverse and growing economy.

Post-secondary students and instructors can now access more than 120 textbooks online, including more than 50 new textbooks focussed on skills training and technical subjects, as part of a commitment to make education resources more affordable and accessible.

A survey of former British Columbia apprenticeship students shows that 86% of students who completed their training at public post-secondary institutions in the Interior and Kootenays were employed and earning a median hourly wage of $29.

A survey of more than 3,000 former apprenticeship students in British Columbia shows that a career in the trades can pay off, with 90% of employed respondents working in a field related to their training and earning a median wage of $28 an hour.

Eleven public post-secondary institutions in British Columbia expect to save up to $500,000 through three joint procurement agreements for welding and electrical equipment.

B.C. universities topped the Maclean’s rankings yet again, with the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) and Simon Fraser University (SFU) coming first in their respective categories.

Premier Christy Clark announced $100,000 towards business plans for a new automotive and marine repair facility and a new health and science centre in addition to a $1 million investment in information technology upgrades at Vancouver Island University.