Growing demand for skilled trades training has initiated an exciting plan to renew trades training facilities at Camosun College for a new generation of students.

With the support of the Province, the college will develop a comprehensive business case for the Camosun College Trades Renewal Project. The business case will include:

• Development of innovative approaches to renew and rehabilitate existing facilities.

• Detailed cost estimates, including capital, facility operations and maintenance requirements.

• Analysis of labour market demand for Camosun trades program graduates and industry needs.

• Analysis of traditional and alternative partnership and procurement methods that consider the project scale and complexity.

Built in the 1960s, Camosun College's existing trades facilities are located primarily on the Interurban Campus in Saanich. Aging facilities, limited space and expanding programs have left Camosun in need of contemporary facilities to sustain and enhance its trades programs.

Camosun trades students go on to become automotive service technicians, carpenters, electricians, furniture makers, heavy-duty mechanics, horticulture technicians, shipbuilders, plumbers and pipefitters, professional cooks, metal fabricators, welders and more. Alumni are currently working in B.C. and around the globe for companies that include BC Hydro, Don Mann Excavating, the Department of National Defence, Viking Air and Seaspan Victoria Shipyards.

Transition from Secondary School

At a time when B.C.'s economy needs skilled trades people the most, Camosun has embarked on successful partnerships, through the South Island Partnership (SIP), encouraging high school students to make the transition to trades training through the Leading Youth to New Careers (LYNC) program.

LYNC is a transition program that allows grades 11 and 12 students to jump-start their post-secondary education by earning college credits before they graduate. This program helps students, who might not have considered college or university, to get the support they need to successfully transition from education to employment. Students currently choose from a variety of disciplines including carpentry, welding, electrical, plumbing, automotive mechanics, heavy duty mechanics, sheet metal, joinery/cabinetmaking, horticulture, computer systems technology, culinary arts, health care, biology and more.

The South Island Partnership is between Camosun College, the school districts of Greater Victoria, Sooke, Saanich, Gulf Islands and Cowichan Valley, as well as local industry leaders.

Quotes:

Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of Advanced Education -

"Camosun College can now advance to the next phase in its exciting plans to renew its trades program facilities as it prepares to train a new generation of B.C.'s skilled work force."

"Responsible investments like this one ensure current and future students have the quality programs, facilities and opportunities they need to succeed in their studies and careers, and I look forward to continuing discussions with the college on the proposed project."

George Abbott, Minister of Education -

"BC's Education Plan is all about providing more opportunities for students to pursue their interests. This innovative partnership between south island school districts and Camosun College will provide local students with a great opportunity to learn a trade and get a head start on their career."

Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -

"It's been exciting to watch Camosun College grow over the years and become one of the leading post-secondary institutions in B.C. Our government continues to support Camosun by helping to ensure its students have the facilities they need in order to succeed now and in the future."

Kathryn Laurin, president, Camosun College -

"Camosun College is the leading trades trainer on Vancouver Island. The proposed Trades Renewal Project will allow us to transform our over 40 year-old trades facilities into a 21st-century learning centre of excellence."

"It will serve as a model for increasing student success and help meet the needs of the BC Jobs Plan. It will also improve Camosun's capacity to provide trades training to underserved populations such as Aboriginal students and women, and to address the future needs of our marine trades and applied research partnerships. Our business case will be ready by early summer."

Quick Facts:

• Camosun College is a public post-secondary college offering over 160 programs, including university transfer and applied degree programs, career and trades training, upgrading and preparatory programs, and continuing education.

• More than 2,500 students take trades and apprenticeship training programs at Camosun every year.

• Camosun offers apprenticeship training for 20 distinct trades, including nine trades with the Interprovincial Red Seal Endorsement.

• Over 400 students are enrolled in Camosun's Trades Foundation program each year.

• Camosun's two campuses serve approximately 12,500 learners registered in degree, diploma and certificate programs and a further 7,400 registrants in courses offered through its continuing education department.

• Operating funding from the Province to Camosun College has increased from $37.1 million in 2001-02 to $50.8 million in 2012-13 - a 37 per cent increase. In addition, the Province has invested over $15 million in capital projects at Camosun.

• Budget 2012 provides for over $460 million in capital investments at B.C. public post-secondary institutions over the next three years for new and expanded facilities and directed to ensuring safe, functional and efficient facilities.

Learn More:

Trades and Apprenticeship training at Camosun College: http://camosun.ca/learn/programs/trades-apprenticeship/

B.C. Ministry of Advanced Education: http://www.gov.bc.ca/aved/index.html

Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan: www.bcjobsplan.ca/

Media Contact:

Joanne Whittier
Communications Manager
Ministry of Advanced Education
250 952-6400
250 893-5650 (cellular)