Students in the Kootenays who want to learn a trade are getting a helping hand with more than $65,000 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 the Rockies' electrical program at its Cranbrook 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:

Bill Bennett, MLA of Kootenay East, on behalf of Advanced Education Minister Amrik Virk -

"Top-quality trades training is vital to the economic future of the Kootenays. These foundation seats at College of the Rockies underlines our government's commitment to ensuring the right training is available in the right places at the right time."

College of the Rockies President and CEO David Walls -

"The government of B.C.'s investment of this funding goes a long way to ensure the college continues to play a vital role in preparing skilled workers to support our economy and communities."

"We thank the Ministry of Advanced Education for this investment in the college and in our 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