Students at Thompson Rivers University will benefit from improved and upgraded campus facilities, thanks to $887,000 in capital funding that is part of government's investment in B.C.'s post-secondary infrastructure this year.

The work will ensure campus infrastructure and operational systems are performing at optimal levels.

The university and government also announced today how $925,000 in one-time funding - http://bit.ly/HZ4EEn - will be used to offer short-term training to prepare workers for jobs in the region. The university expects to create seats for more than 300 students in a variety of fields over the coming year, including programs for camp cooks, mining, masons and heavy equipment operators for civil and forestry operations. All programs align with the BC Jobs Plan to meet direct labour shortages currently being experienced in the province.

B.C. taxpayers are providing $65.4 million for operations at Thompson Rivers University this year - including an allowance for general infrastructure maintenance - up from $56.8 million in 2005-06. The number of funded student spaces at the university has increased 1 per cent over that time.

More than $54 million have been invested in capital projects at the university since 2001, including funding for the Library Commons and First Nations House of Learning at the Kamloops campus, and the Williams Lake campus replacement.

Quotes:

Terry Lake, MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson -

"TRU has quickly become not just a great post-secondary institution, but a vital part of Kamloops and the interior as a whole. It's given students in the region an option closer to home, where they can pursue new career opportunities."

Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Kevin Krueger -

"In planning for tomorrow's workforce, it's critical that we continue to invest in post-secondary education and provide students with the tools they need for successful careers. It's great to see this funding support, which is also a vital component of the BC Jobs Plan."

Alan Shaver, president, Thompson Rivers University -

"Thompson Rivers University has a history of providing relevant trades and skills training to citizens in our region for employment in mining, forestry and construction sectors. We are proud to be able to continue to enhance B.C.'s labour market through investments in programs by working closely with our communities and industry advisory committees to ensure our students are able take advantage of the upcoming job opportunities in the region."

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