The B.C. government is investing more than $1.5 million in new skills training equipment at Camosun College.

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 to the needs of the economy in each region.

Institutions will also 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 Camosun - unless otherwise donated from industry partners - includes equipment such as an industrial refrigeration trainer, air compressor, alignment lift, and overhead crane.

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."

Ida Chong, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head -

"It's important that students' trade education will be relevant to what students will practice once they enter the workforce. This is an efficient investment for current students pursuing trades and future students interested in learning trades."

Kathryn Laurin, president, Camosun College

"Camosun is the largest trades training centre on Vancouver Island, educating more than 2,500 highly skilled trades foundation and apprenticeship students every year. The combination of our leading-edge curriculum, provincial investment in our new Centre for Trades Education and Innovation, and now this further funding for new state-of-the-art trades equipment, positions Camosun well, both provincially and nationally, to truly meet and exceed the expectations of our students and employers. This funding will also go the extra mile in helping us attract vital additional support and teaching equipment from donors and industry partners."

Quick Facts:

The Ministry of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology has invested $45.6 million for capital projects at Camosun College since 2001, including:

• $29.2 million for the Trades Building Renewal / Replacement project.
• $1.85 million to renovate and provide functional and code upgrades to various buildings on both the Interurban and Lansdowne campuses.
• $2.1 million to build learning commons on both campuses.

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