Students in the Lower Mainland who want to learn a trade are getting a helping hand with more than $284,000 in one-time funding for 78 foundation seats in targeted trades training courses during 2013-14, Advanced Education Minister Amrik Virk announced today.

BCIT received $79,000 to fund 16 student spaces at its automotive refinishing program at its Burnaby campus.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is benefiting from close to $96,000 to fund 16 student spaces in its electrical program at the university's Cloverdale campus. Additionally, a portion of the funding will also support a trades discovery program on a limited pilot basis. This will provide 30 students with the opportunity to explore career options in trades and help them progress onto foundation skills and apprenticeship programs.

Vancouver Community College received more than $109,000 to fund 16 student spaces in its heavy-duty, commercial transport mechanic program.

Foundation training programs provide students with the basic knowledge and skills needed for entry into a particular occupation. Students receive credit for the first-level apprenticeship training in a specific field by the Industry Training Authority once they have successfully completed the foundation program.

The funding is part of an overall $1.8 million for 456 student spaces in 2013-14 at 10 public post-secondary institutions throughout British Columbia and is over and above the funding that public post-secondary institutions will receive from the ITA in 2013-14 for foundation spaces.

This is the sixth year that the provincial government has provided targeted foundation skills funding. From 2008-09 to 2013-14 the total funding for foundation skills programming is $10.3 million.

Quotes:

Minister of Advanced Education, Amrik Virk -

"Skilled workers with high-quality training have a vital part to play in the economic prosperity of the Lower Mainland and across B.C. I'm delighted this funding will help students take their first steps in acquiring the essential skills that employers are looking for and take them forward into a rewarding long-term career."

Richard T. Lee, MLA for Burnaby North -

"BCIT has a well-deserved reputation for trades training. Our investment in automotive finishing seats will enhance BCIT's well-deserved reputation for trades training. It underlines our government's focus on skilled trades as an essential component of B.C.'s economic future."

Stephanie Cadieux, MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale -

"This investment in KPU's electrical program demonstrates our focus on matching training to employer demand. Additionally, our support for the trades discovery program will give young people a taste of the different trades that could lead them into a future successful career."

Paul Dangerfield, vice president of Education, Research and International at BCIT -

"This is a good example of the type of funding required to educate and prepare workers with the skills needed in the B.C. economy. The $79,000 provided for the automotive refinishing program will help fill one class of 16 students who will gain the fundamental knowledge needed to start their careers."

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

"We are very pleased to see the provincial government respond to the need for additional trades training spaces at KPU. This will reduce waitlists and enable people in our region to learn job-ready skills."

Kathy Kinloch, president, Vancouver Community College -

"VCC recognizes the importance of preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow by providing them with the right skills and experience today. Investing in heavy-duty/commercial transport foundation training programs will ensure students gain a competitive edge and have the basic knowledge and skills they need to enter the labour market and help meet the growing demand for heavy-duty/commercial transport mechanics in major industries across B.C."

Learn More:

For more information on The BC Jobs Plan and Skills Training Plan: www.bcjobsplan.ca/skills/bc-skills-and-training-plan/

Contact:

Dan Gilmore
Communications Manager
Ministry of Advanced Education
250 952-6400