The government of B.C. is investing more than $1.5 million in new skills training equipment at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT).

The funding is part of a $17-million provincewide Skills and Training Plan investment to support public post-secondary institutions to upgrade equipment and put the latest tools in the hands of B.C. students.

Equipment purchases and replacements at each institution are based upon a review and analysis of existing inventory, current and future program and industry requirements, and current government priorities to provide skills training that is aligned with the needs of the economy in each region.

Institutions also will pursue partnerships with local industries and other stakeholders to purchase or donate equipment, ensuring students continue to train on the latest equipment being used in the workplace.

The type of equipment slated for new purchase or replacement at BCIT - unless otherwise donated from industry partners - includes equipment such as a hydraulic excavator, wheel loader, milling machines, rock truck, lab volt workstation, hybrid vehicles and lathes.

Quotes:

John Yap, Minister of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology -

"Under the BC Jobs Plan and our Skills and Training Plan, we're taking action to provide education and training opportunities aligned with the needs of our economy. This provincial investment, coupled with contributions from private industry partners, will ensure students are training on the same calibre of equipment their employers will be asking them to work on after graduation."

Richard T. Lee, MLA for Burnaby North -

"The British Columbia Institute of Technology is one of Canada's leading post-secondary institutions, with a strong academic reputation and a renowned focus on hands-on experience. This investment will ensure BCIT will continue to prepare the next generation of workers for the advanced workplace of tomorrow."

Quick Facts:

The Ministry of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology has invested $61 million for capital projects at BCIT since 2001, including:

• $22.8 million to expand and upgrade Building SW1 and surrounding areas.

• $16.4 million for construction of the BCIT Aerospace Technology Campus.

• $8.6 million for the replacement of the boiler facility and renovations to Building SE8 to accommodate a state-of-the-art boiler training facility.

Learn More:

Read more about the B.C. Skills and Training Plan:

http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/skills-and-training-plan/

Media Contact:

Dan Gilmore
Communications Manager
Ministry of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology
250 952-6400
Dan.Gilmore@gov.bc.ca