Students at Vancouver Community College (VCC) will benefit from improved and upgraded campus facilities, thanks to $4.6 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 VCC's Downtown and Broadway campuses, will ensure campus infrastructure and operational systems are performing at optimal levels.

The college and government also announced today how over $632,000 in one-time funding -http://ow.ly/dbutB - will be used to offer short-term training in the region. The college expects to create seats in a variety of trades-related fields over the coming year, including forklift training, welding, and construction vehicle maintenance.

B.C. taxpayers are providing more than $55 million for VCC's operations this year - including an allowance for general infrastructure maintenance - up from $44.7 million in 2001-02. The number of funded student spaces at the college has increased over seven per cent since 2003-04.

Over $52 million in capital investments have been made at VCC since 2001, including upgrading and renewal of the Downtown and Broadway campuses and construction of the health sciences building.

Quotes:

Mary McNeil, MLA for Vancouver-False Creek -

"Today's students are the drivers of our province's economic future, and it's vital they have access to the safest and most comprehensive learning facilities. This investment will ensure VCC's downtown and Broadway campuses are the best they can be."

Kathy Kinloch, president, Vancouver Community College -

"Completing these important upgrades will allow us to function more efficiently and, ultimately, ensure the best possible learning environment for our students. Our skilled graduates are essential to fulfilling local labour demands, and the additional funding for training opportunities enables VCC to provide increased numbers of students with greater access to quality education and skills programs."

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