Students at the British Columbia Institute of Technology will benefit from improved and upgraded campus facilities, thanks to more than $5 million in capital funding that is part of government's investment in B.C.'s post-secondary infrastructure this year.

The upgrade work, which will take place at BCIT's Burnaby and Marine campuses, will ensure select campus infrastructure items and operational systems are improved. In addition, ventilation systems at the Great Northern Way campus and in the welding shop at the Burnaby campus will be upgraded.

BCIT and government also announced today how over $931,000 in one-time funding - http://bit.ly/HZ4EEn - will be used to offer short-term training in the region. BCIT expects to create up to 113 seats in a variety of skilled trades-related fields over the coming year, including aircraft maintenance at the Richmond Aerospace Technology campus. As well, foundation courses in welding, automotive, carpentry, joinery and piping will be offered at the Burnaby campus, along with foundation courses in diesel engine technician at the Great Northern Way campus.

B.C. taxpayers are providing close to $117 million for BCIT's overall operations this year - including an allowance for general infrastructure maintenance - up from $85.2 million in 2001-02. The number of funded student spaces at the college has increased 13.7 per cent since 2003-04.

Over $56 million in capital investments have been made at BCIT since 2001, including expansion and renovation of Building SW1 in Burnaby in partnership with the federal government and construction of the Aerospace Technology campus in Richmond.

Quotes:

Richard T. Lee, MLA for Burnaby North -

"One of our government's top priorities is job creation. This funding in support of post-secondary institutions will help ensure that our students have the proper education and skills to fill these jobs."

Harry Bloy, MLA for Burnaby-Lougheed -

"Our youth deserve high-quality education. This is only possible if they have access to a safe and modern learning environment. I am pleased that the Province was able to help upgrade facilities at BCIT."

Don Wright, president, BCIT -

"BCIT will continue to utilize government funding to effectively and efficiently benefit students, and the educational process, with the ultimate goal of contributing to the prosperity of 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