The government of B.C. is investing more than $662,000 in new skills training equipment at North Island 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 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 North Island College - unless otherwise donated from industry partners - includes a variety of industrial vehicles for the heavy duty equipment technician and commercial transport mechanic programs, shop pieces and light vehicles for the automotive service technician garage, and machinery for the metal fabricator (fitter) program.

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."

Don McRae, MLA for Comox Valley -

"We recognize the vital role these students play in the future of the province and especially the north Island. Our government is committed to putting the latest equipment in the hands of post-secondary institutions provincewide."

Dr. Jan Lindsay, president, North Island College -

"We are excited to have received this funding as it has allowed the college to purchase specific pieces of equipment and training tools that our students will be using when they enter the workforce. The ability to modernize our shops ensures that North Island College continues to provide relevant education to the residents of the north Island."

Quick Facts:

NIC has received over $10.1 million in capital investments from government since 2001, including:

• $4.1 million for construction of a new skills development and trades training facility in Courtenay.

• $1.35 million for a teaching kitchen facility at the Port Alberni campus.

• $553,000 for the purchase and installation of 14 portables in Comox.

• In August 2012, the B.C. government announced $652,000 in capital funding to go toward improving and upgrading facilities at North Island College.

• North Island College received $507,000 in one-time funding announced in April 2012 - http://ow.ly/h8M00 - to offer skilled trades-related training in the region. The college expects to create up to 63 trades-related seats over the coming year, including in trades foundation skills and carpentry.

Learn More:

Read more about the B.C. Skills and Training Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/skills-and-training-plan/

Media Contact:

Marc Black
Communications Director
Ministry of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology
250 952-6508