More than 1,700 students throughout British Columbia will get skills training thanks to $10 million provided to 16 B.C. public post-secondary institutions in April 2012 to prepare workers for jobs in their regions, John Yap, Minister of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology said today.

"With this funding, students throughout B.C. are getting the training they need to pursue careers, whether it be as electricians, diesel engine mechanics, carpenters, heavy equipment operators, bricklayers, chefs, welders, oil and gas workers, power engineers, or in other skilled jobs," said Yap. "This $10-million investment is a key part of the BC Jobs Plan where we're training the right mix of workers, with the right skills in the right regions to meet local labour demands today and into the future."

Examples of training offered as a result of this investment include:

• At the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) this funding continues to ensure training for 15 students in the diesel engine mechanics program, 16 students in level C training in welding, and 16 students in a foundation program in pipefitting. Programs in aircraft maintenance, carpentry, automotive mechanics, and joinery are scheduled to start in the new year and early spring, and this funding will provide training opportunities for 65 students.
• Through Douglas College's Training Group, 16 students have completed the discovery program for finishing trades and nine are registered to continue on to level one painting apprenticeship in January 2013. In addition, 76 students will be starting training programs in January and February 2013 in piping foundations, welding, landscaping and horticulture, and a trowel trades discovery program that will provide an introduction to masonry, bricklaying and tile setting.
• Northwest Community College will launch an introduction to the trades program in conjunction with area high schools in February 2013, creating training opportunities for 100 students. Programs in heavy equipment operator for forestry, driller blaster, and mining essentials will also start up in 2013, benefitting an additional 60 students.
• At Okanagan College, more than 45 students are currently enrolled in various programs ranging from collision repair to audio engineering, from electrical to a general introduction to the trades. The funding will provide training opportunities for another 75 students in a host of programs in the coming year, including safety and supervision in oil and gas, commercial building inspection, and laser treatments. Many will start early in the new year, including an emergency medical responder program, and a farm safety equipment program in Salmon Arm.
• Thompson Rivers University has run a program in mining essentials and will be offering two more intakes for the program in Clearwater, providing training opportunities for a total of 48 students. Training programs have also been offered for heavy equipment operators and camp cooks benefitting 24 students, and a trowel trades program for 16 students is set to start in March 2013.
• Vancouver Community College (VCC) has worked with Coast Mountain Bus Company to identify and develop training opportunities, and as part of its heavy duty/commercial transport program will be offering specific training open to 40 students in advanced electronics, utility welding, hydraulics and other areas. VCC is working closely with Aboriginal communities in developing training opportunities, which will include an introduction to the trades program.
• At Vancouver Island University, 26 students have completed the welder-fitter program and 13 students are currently enrolled in a culinary arts diploma program. In addition, the aluminum boat building program is scheduled to begin in January 2013, and power engineering will start in March 2013.

Quotes:

Paul Leibel enrolled in the foundation program in pipefitting at BCIT. He's in his early 40s and decided to make a career change. He's aiming to be out in the workforce by the end of February 2013 -

"I have thoroughly enjoyed the course and honestly feel BCIT is preparing me to go out into the real world and work in pipefitting. My goal is to work in commercial plumbing, and I'm going to employers feeling prepared. I feel that learning a trade is all about respect and responsibility - the moment I got here I knew that I was gaining respect, and that I had a responsibility to learn my trade to the best of my ability - the teachers at BCIT and the program are helping make this a reality."

Tyler Ekdahl of 100 Mile House is 22 years old and is just completing the welding foundation program at BCIT -

"I thought welding would be a good trade - one that pays well - I had no idea how much I would love it - and the program at BCIT will help me find a job. I am willing to go where the work is - Northern B.C., the Interior, wherever I can gain experience. Eventually I'd like to open up my own company."

Laura Richardson is a 17-year-old high-school student who enrolled in Okanagan College's electrical foundation program in Revelstoke -

"I was excited when I learned the electrical program would be offered in Revelstoke, because it means I can stay close to family and friends while pursuing my goal of following in my grandfather's footsteps and becoming an electrician. The program is great, and with this early start, I could be a Red Seal certified tradesperson by the time I'm 21."

Kellie Callender of Nanaimo enrolled in the culinary arts diploma program at Vancouver Island University (VIU) after the restaurant where he worked was sold and he found himself unemployed -

"After being laid off and needing to find focus in my career, the culinary arts program at VIU gave me the opportunity to continue my education and follow my dreams. Now I'm preparing to participate in the "Almost Famous Chef" Canadian regional competition in Toronto. I'm on my way to receiving my culinary diploma, and I have a co-op opportunity that could lead to future employment."

Link to audio clips of Minister of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology John Yap: http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/Minister_Yap_Skills_Training_Funding_Dec_20.mp3

Quick Facts:

• There are currently over 33,000 apprentices in the trades training system, more than double the number of apprentices registered in 2004. In addition, there over 9,000 industry employers currently sponsoring apprentices throughout the province.
• Recent findings from the Apprenticeship Student Outcomes Survey reveal that 93 per cent of respondents were very satisfied or satisfied with their in-school training.
• Taxpayers' investment in operating grants for post-secondary education has increased 47 per cent since 2001.

Learn More:

BC Jobs Plan and Skills and Training Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/skills-and-training-plan/

The Ministry of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology: http://www.gov.bc.ca/aved/index.html

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

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

BACKGROUNDER

Investing in skills training

In April 2012, the government of British Columbia announced $10 million in one-time funding for 16 public post-secondary institutions to go toward short-term training determined on an institution-to-institution basis to ensure it meets local training needs: http://ow.ly/gcJzu

The funding was made available through the Canada - British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement, and was distributed as follows:

• British Columbia Institute of Technology - $932,804
• Camosun College - $402,200
• College of New Caledonia - $725,337
• College of the Rockies - $612,681
• Douglas College - $500,000
• Kwantlen Polytechnic University - $457,070
• Nicola Valley Institute of Technology - $500,000
• North Island College - $507,070
• Northern Lights College - $900,337
• Northwest Community College - $839,537
• Okanagan College - $550,337
• Selkirk College - $457,070
• Thompson Rivers University - $925,337
• University of the Fraser Valley - $457,070
• Vancouver Community College - $632,804
• Vancouver Island University - $600,347

Contact:

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