By Shirley Bond
Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour

VICTORIA - Last week, Premier Christy Clark announced an agreement between the government of B.C. and Pacific NorthWest LNG that sets the stage for a potential US $36-billion investment in northern B.C., which could drive jobs and economic activity throughout the province.

While there is important environmental work and First Nations engagement ahead, this is a positive step and a strong show of confidence in B.C.'s and in our diverse and growing economy. That's why we're working hard to make sure British Columbians benefit with family supporting jobs.

Over the next 10 years, the province is going to see the development of hundreds of major projects.  The LNG sector alone could generate 100,000 jobs - including more than 58,000 construction jobs - by 2024.

To make sure B.C. workers are first in line for these opportunities we launched B.C.'s Skills for Jobs Blueprint one year ago.  It is our commitment to re-engineer education and training so our province is ready with the skilled workers required to build these projects. Here are a few Blueprint accomplishments of the past year:

• More than $13 million has been invested in 3,000 critical trades training seats in public post-secondary institutions.
• $30 million over three years for skills training in Aboriginal Communities and First Nations.
• Expanded financial aid options are available, including the new BC Completion Grant for Graduates.
• $24.5 million over five years to help single parents stay on income assistance for up to 12 months while they train for their new job.

Our Blueprint is the foundation that will ensure B.C. has the skilled workforce to seize the LNG opportunity - jobs in the North like welders, steamfitters, pipefitters and construction craft workers, and jobs in the Lower Mainland, such as engineers, technicians and sales and service people.

To meet this demand for skilled workers we will need to tap into all of B.C. - young people, older workers, Aboriginals, women, and the under-employed.

When I visit B.C companies a common theme I hear is their need for skilled workers. In fact, building a world-class apprenticeship system in British Columbia is so important, the government is co-hosting the first-ever Skilled Trades Innovation Forum in Vancouver on June 2. It will be a great opportunity to connect with public and private training providers, First Nations and industry stakeholders to look at innovative ways to make trades training work better - for everyone.

We want all British Columbians - and B.C. businesses - to be prepared so they can take advantage of opportunities coming our way - like LNG.

By taking steps now, we are preparing British Columbians with the skills they need for the jobs of tomorrow, allowing them to earn a good salary to support their families and communities and ensuring B.C. remains one of the best places to live and do business in.

For more information on the B.C.'s Skills for Jobs Blueprint:  www.workbc.ca/skills

For more on the agreement between the government of B.C. and Pacific NorthWest LNG: http://ow.ly/Ngl1H