Students at Northwest Community College's campuses will benefit from improved and upgraded campus facilities, thanks to $1.2 million in capital funding that is part of government's investment in B.C.'s post-secondary infrastructure this year.

The upgrades, which will take place at the Terrace, Houston, Hazelton, Prince Rupert and Kitimat campuses, will address routine maintenance and safety of infrastructure and systems. In addition, the Terrace trades facility will benefit from renewal of its air compressor.

The college and government also announced today how over $839,000 in one-time funding - provided this spring - http://bit.ly/HZ4EEn - will be used to offer short-term training in the region. The college expects to create seats in a variety of trades-related fields throughout the college region over the coming year, including introduction to trades, mining skills, and possible alternative delivery of technical training for electrical and heavy duty mechanics.

B.C. taxpayers are providing more than $18 million for NWCC's operations this year - including an allowance for general infrastructure maintenance - up from $14.6 million in 2001-02. The number of funded student spaces at the college has increased nine per cent since 2003-04.

More than $21 million in capital investments have been made at the college since 2001, including renovation and expansion of the Smithers campus and the new Prince Rupert campus.

Quotes:

John Rustad, MLA for Nechako Lakes -

"Supporting families also means supporting education and careers. Funding to learning institutions assists them in their goals to provide that education. I am very pleased we are able to provide this funding to Northwest Community College."

Dr. Denise Henning, president and CEO, Northwest Community College -

"B.C.'s economy is regaining strength after the global economic downturn and we are experiencing growing demand for skilled worked from high-growth industries throughout the Northwest. Serving the needs of the Northwest communities is a priority for NWCC, and we are committed to providing the highest-quality programs and services in all communities including rural and remote communities in our region."

"Infrastructure renewal is critical in our efforts to provide safe, quality learning and working environments for students and staff and helps ensure access to the training and the jobs that drive our economy."

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