Students at Camosun College and Vancouver Island University who want to learn a trade are getting a helping hand with close to $500,000 in one-time funding for 130 foundation seats in targeted trades training courses during 2013-14, Advanced Education Minister Amrik Virk announced today.

Camosun College received over $349,000 to fund 68 student spaces across three separate electrical programs and its carpentry program at the Victoria interurban campus. A portion of the funding will also support a trades discovery program on a limited pilot basis. This will provide 32 students with the opportunity to explore career options in trades and help them progress onto foundation skills and apprenticeship programs.

Vancouver Island University is benefiting from more than $144,000 to fund a total of 30 student spaces at its Nanaimo campus for its baking program and the trades discovery pilot.

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:

Michelle Stillwell, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum on behalf of Advanced Education Minister Amrik Virk -

“Vancouver Island University has a major part to play to ensure trades programs on the Island meet employers’ needs. I’m delighted to see our government invest in foundation seats for VIU’s baking program and in the trades discovery pilot. This will help to give students a taste of the rewarding career they can have in trades.”

Kathryn Laurin, president of Camosun College -

“Trades are an integral part of our local economic activity and Camosun continues to be responsive to our region’s needs. Camosun is a leader in trades education within the province, offering innovative pilot programs so that the next generation of tradespeople can make informed and sustainable decisions about where to build their own careers. We appreciate the investment in our programs.”

Guy Ellis, dean of trades and technology at Vancouver Island University -

“VIU has always had a strong focus in the trades area, offering a wide variety of programs and courses. This funding will allow us to deliver greater access to these important programs to more students.”

Learn More:

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

Media Contact:

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