Students at College of New Caledonia training to work as electricians, heavy- duty commercial transport mechanics, millwrights and in other skilled jobs are learning on the very latest equipment, thanks to an investment of more than $1.1 million by the B.C. government.

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 students.

Equipment purchased new or replaced and now on-site at College of New Caledonia includes eight electrical test benches, a transport tractor with ABS for the heavy-duty/commercial transport program, a scaffolding system for carpentry, a hoist for the automotive shop, and milling machines and an overhead bridge crane for the millwright program.

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.

Quotes:

Ralph Sultan, Minister of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology -

"This funding, coupled with contributions from private industry partners will help the College of New Caledonia invest in job-oriented equipment such as a scaffolding system for carpentry and a hoist for the automotive shop. This is in tune with our government's commitment to increase the opportunities for skills training, and the number of skilled workers."

Pat Bell, MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie -

"This is an investment in students - in the future welders, millwrights, heavy-duty mechanics, electricians and carpenters who will fill the skilled jobs that will drive industry, our economy and our communities around the North and throughout British Columbia."

Shirley Bond, MLA for Prince George-Valemount -

"Our investment in skills training equipment at College of New Caledonia is the result of on-going conversations with students, employers, northern communities and the college, and is in line with what we heard from the citizens of British Columbia throughout the Skills for BC engagement."

"We continue to work with stakeholders in industry and across our post-secondary sector to ensure students are getting the training they need closer to home and to help them be first in line for the jobs opening up in the North and around the province."

John Bowman, president, College of New Caledonia -

"The funding has already benefitted students in our electrical program, which was able to purchase a piece of equipment that had previously been on loan to the program. Hands-on training is key to our trades programs and this funding will help put the latest equipment in our students' hands."

Quick Facts:

Past capital investments at CNC include:

• $10 million to construct a new trades training building and renovate space in the John A. Brink Centre at the Prince George campus.

• $5 million to build the trades' phase two of the Quesnel campus.

• $1.4 million to convert the existing gym to classroom space at the Burns Lake campus.

• $627,000 for the creation of Aboriginal gathering places at the Prince George and Fort St. James campuses.

Learn More:

BC Jobs Plan and Skills and Training Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/skills-and-training-plan/

The Ministry of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology: http://www.gov.bc.ca/aved/index.html

College of New Caledonia: http://www.cnc.bc.ca/

Media Contact:

Dan Gilmore
Communications Manager
Ministry of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology
250 952-6400