Students in northern B.C. who want to learn a trade are getting a helping hand with more than $91,000 in one-time funding for 16 foundation seats in targeted trades training courses during 2013-14, Advanced Education Minister Amrik Virk announced today.

The funding will support student spaces in the College of New Caledonia's heavy-duty mechanics program at its Fort St. James campus.

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:

John Rustad, MLA for Nechako Lakes, on behalf of Advanced Education Minister Amrik Virk -

"Supporting trades training seats for the College of New Caledonia underlines our government's commitment to ensuring the right training is available so that communities in northern B.C. continue to grow and prosper."

Maureen Mallais, regional director for the CNC Nechako region -

"Local industry had articulated the need and provided letters of support when the proposal was initially submitted."

"We are pleased that we were able to be responsive to their request and provide this opportunity in the community."

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