The government of B.C. is investing $733,006 in new skills training equipment at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

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 Kwantlen - unless otherwise donated from industry partners - includes equipment such as welding fabrication stations, a punch sheer ironworker and laser alignment equipment.

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."

Mary Polak, MLA for

"Investing in new skills training equipment at Kwantlen Polytechnic University is an integral part of the BC Jobs Plan. This is an exciting announcement that promises return on investment for the local community and will foster top tier graduates looking to start a career in B.C."

Alan Davis, president and vice-chancellor, Kwantlen Polytechnic University -

"This funding will ensure that Kwantlen Polytechnic University can provide top quality skills training, thus supporting the workforce needs of our region, and consistent with our unique polytechnic university mandate."

Quick Facts:

Past capital investments at Kwantlen include:

• $2.25 million from AEIT for building envelope replacement at the Surrey campus.

• $656,000 for expansion of the Richmond campus library.

• $1.2 million for renovations to the Langley campus.

• $11.1 million for library expansion at Surrey campus.

• $10.1 million for expansion of Building C at Surrey campus.

• $4.37 million for the expansion of Building D.

• $39.2 million for the Cloverdale Trades and Technology Centre.

• $696,000 for new equipment and technology upgrades for its horticulture program at the Langley campus and for plumbing programs at the Cloverdale campus as part of AEIT $8.75 million in one-time capital allocation for new trades training equipment.

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