Future health professionals in the Bulkley Valley will benefit from additional student spaces in the health-care assistant training program at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT).

The program is currently underway in Hazelton with the support of the Gitksan Wet'suwet'en Education Society and the Northern Health Authority. Students will go on to complete their clinical placements in health-care facilities within the Northern Health Authority region.

The B.C. government is providing over $145,000 in one-time funding allowing up to 15 full-time Aboriginal students to complete their training in Hazelton.

One-time funding, such as this, helps to improve access to health-education programs and meet immediate and projected employment needs in the health-care field throughout the province. B.C.'s post-secondary system is helping to provide high-quality health care for individuals and families across British Columbia by ensuring students in the health-care professions have the skills and training they need to succeed in the future.

Quotes:

President, Nicola Valley Institute of Technology, Ken Tourand -

"NVIT is extremely pleased that Advanced Education supported the training of health-care assistant workers in the Gitksan Wet'suwet'en region. With a provincial mandate to deliver Aboriginal education and a mission dedicated to community development, this project was a perfect fit for NVIT."

"NVIT has a long-time relationship with the Gitksan Wet'suwet'en Education Society, and it is fantastic that we are able to partner with GWES to assist in addressing the health-related educational and training opportunities in their community."

Quick Facts:

Since 2001...

• The provincial government has funded more than 880 additional health-care assistant spaces throughout B.C., with 128 of those spaces in the North.
• The Province has provided approximately $1.2 billion in health-related post-secondary funding to institutions throughout the province.
• The Province has invested more than $2.5 billion in student financial assistance, making post-secondary education more accessible for students throughout the province.

Learn More:

For information on the health-care assistant program at Nicola Valley Institute of Technology, go to: http://www.nvit.ca/default.htm

For information about student aid programs for post-secondary training, go to: www.aved.gov.bc.ca/studentaidbc

Media Contact:

Marc Black
Communications Director
Ministry of Advanced Education
250 952-6508