Trades training facilities at Northern Lights College's campuses are being upgraded and modernized, thanks to $3.7 million in capital funding that is part of government's investment in public post-secondary infrastructure this year.

The upgrades (the bulk of which will take place at the Dawson Creek campus), will ensure electrical and operating systems - mainly in the aircraft maintenance engineering hangar - continue to provide optimal service. In addition, access to the Fort St. John campus' trades facilities will benefit from roadway and entry improvements.

The college and government also announced today how $900,337 in one-time funding - provided this spring - http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2009-2013/2012AVED0018-000492.htm - will be used to offer training in the region. The college expects to create seats in a variety of trades-related programs such as power engineering, mining fundamentals and oil and gas training over the coming year.

B.C. taxpayers are providing a total of $17.8 million for NLC's operations this year - including an allowance for general infrastructure maintenance - up from $16.4 million in 2001/02. The number of funded student spaces at the college has increased 8.8 per cent since 2003/04.

Over $19.1 million in capital investments have been made at the college since 2001, including the construction of the Centre of Excellence for Clean Energy Technology and the Health Sciences Building, both of which opened in October 2011.

Quotes:

Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of Advanced Education -

"We are working to expand B.C.'s economy, and believe that through continued investment in post-secondary education we can provide British Columbians with the tools they need to meet the demands of employers and be successful in their personal and working lives."

"These important upgrades to training facilities at Northern Lights ensure that students, faculty and staff are working together in a safe and stimulating learning environment."

Blair Lekstrom, MLA for Peace River South -

"By providing this funding for infrastructure renewal, we're ensuring our citizens will continue to have access to training and education opportunities they will need now - and in the future."

"Our investment in trades-related programs at Northern Lights means more student seats in mining, welding, power engineering and oil and gas training - sectors that are vital to the economic strength and growth of our region."

Pat Pimm, MLA for Peace River North -

"Our support for Northern Lights College recognizes that it is a vital part of our region, providing training opportunities that fulfil the ambitions and dreams of students while building our skilled workforce and strengthening our province."

Laurie Rancourt, president, Northern Lights College -

"We would like to express our sincere appreciation for these two instalments of key funding from the Province. This type of investment is key to the offering of necessary skills training in safe and efficient facilities at Northern Lights College."

"We look forward to our ongoing collaboration with our ministry, community and industry partners as we continue to work towards addressing the ever increasing skills and training needs across northeastern and northern British Columbia."

Funding for B.C. post-secondary institutions:

• $23.7 billion - amount of money invested in post-secondary education in B.C. since 2001.
• 57 per cent - the increase in total operating funding since 2001 across the university sector, along with a 26 per cent increase in total operating funding for the college and institute sector since 2001.
• $1.9 billion - the amount invested in support of post-secondary education this year.
• $10,090 - amount per full-time student funded by the provincial government, up from $8,440 in 2001-02.

Learn More:

BC Jobs Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/

Media Contact:

Dan Gilmore
Communications Manager
Ministry of Advanced Education
250 952-6400