Nov. 5 to 9, 2012 has been proclaimed Technology Week in British Columbia, John Yap, Minister of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology announced today.

"In July, our government launched a strategy to create and support jobs in B.C.'s fast-growing technology sector," said Yap. "Initiatives like B.C.'s Technology Week promote careers in technology by giving students a chance to explore different areas in the technology sector, check out career options and get involved in hands-on activities."

The B.C. government and the private sector are working together to promote our technology sector through various activities, such as the BC Innovation Council's (BCIC) Acceleration Network.

"B.C.'s ability to compete successfully in the global economy depends on a highly skilled and educated labour force," said Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training. "Jobs in the technology fields continue to increase twice as quickly as any other, and technology is one of eight key sectors indentified in the BC Jobs Plan because it enables growth in all sectors."

Technology Week is a great time to explore some of the many exciting education and career opportunities in B.C.'s burgeoning technology sector. There will be plenty of activities at locations around the province, along with interactive and fun resources designed to help students, teachers and parents explore technical careers in areas like computer science, skilled trades, and the engineering sciences, to name only a few.

"The momentum is building as the BCIC Acceleration Network expands in regions across the province," said John Jacobson, president and CEO of BCIC. "This network provides startup companies throughout B.C. with consistent and structured guidance to accelerate the growth of their ventures. In its pilot year, we've already seen impressive results from external investment, revenue generation and job creation for British Columbians."

About three quarters of all future jobs in B.C. will need at least some post-secondary education, and professional, scientific and technical services will likely be among the fastest-growing and most in-demand areas in the years to come.

"Technology Week represents a great opportunity to showcase the many career opportunities for technologists, technicians and technical specialists in engineering and applied science technology," said John Leech, executive director of the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC. "There is a real need to encourage B.C.'s youth to take science and math in their high school years with the hope we will attract more young British Columbians into engineering technology careers."

Learn more about careers in technology:

BC Innovation Council: http://www.bcic.ca/

B.C.'s Technology Strategy: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/technology

Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC: http://www.asttbc.org/careers/ntw_asttbc.php

Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists: http://ow.ly/eLBxs

Media contact:

Dan Gilmore
Communications Manager
Ministry of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology
250 952-6400