As part of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) will receive funding for an additional 194 training spaces to help reduce waitlists for trades critical to the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector and other industries.

The allocation is part of the $6.8 million announced earlier today to create 1,424 foundation and apprenticeship seats at 14 public post-secondary institutions throughout British Columbia.

UFV will receive a total of $872,000: $807,000 adds 194 seats that will be available to students as early as September 2014. An additional $65,000 in operating and equipment funding will support delivery of training programs. Seats include:

• 40 welder foundation seats.
• 16 welder apprenticeship seats.
• 18 carpenter foundation seats.
• 16 carpenter apprenticeship seats.
• 54 electrician foundation seats.
• 32 electrician apprenticeship seats.
• 18 heavy-duty equipment mechanic foundation seats.

Government announced an initial $6.6 million for critical trades seats as part of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint. Funding allocations are based on the most-recent labour market data, on consultations with institutions, the Industry Training Authority, and the Province’s Labour Market Priorities Board, as well as current waitlists and institutions’ capacity to add training seats.

A million job openings are expected in B.C. by 2022, with about 43% requiring college education or apprenticeship training. B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint lays out a comprehensive action plan to re-engineer education and training so British Columbia students and workers have the skills to be first in line for jobs in a growing economy. More information on B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint is available at: www.workbc.ca/skills

Quotes:

Advanced Education Minister Amrik Virk -

“We promised to increase access to critical trades training seats for in-demand jobs and we are delivering on our commitment to ensure we have a skilled workforce. Throughout British Columbia, we are re-engineering education and training to turn learners into earners.”

Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training Minister and Minister Responsible for Labour Shirley Bond -

“We are ensuring that training decisions are driven by industry-validated data and up-to-date sector information so that British Columbians have the right training to achieve long-term, well-paying jobs in Liquefied Natural Gas and other industries. Our commitment in the Skills for Jobs Blueprint is to increase access and reduce waitlists for trades training that supports the needs of B.C.’s industry, employers, workers and families.”

Chilliwack MLA John Martin -

“We want British Columbians to be first in line for the million job openings expected in the coming years. The 194 additional trades training seats at the University of the Fraser Valley will give more students the chance to get the skills they need to succeed.”

Abbotsford South MLA Darryl Plecas -

“B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint committed to a trained workforce that is ready for jobs in LNG and other industries. A career in the trades can provide individuals with the opportunity for long-term, well-paying jobs that strengthen our families and communities.”

Chilliwack-Hope MLA Laurie Throness -

“Transitioning students from learners to earners supports a strong economy. We’re making sure this is a possibility by helping students get training they need.”

UFV chief financial officer and vice-president, administration Jackie Hogan -

“Injecting $872,000 into our faculty of applied and technical studies builds on the University of the Fraser Valley’s ability to continue producing top professionals for a variety of trades. We’re proud to increase our role in shaping the future, both locally and beyond.”

Industry Training Authority interim chief operating officer Jeff Nugent -

“We are focused on meeting the training needs for B.C.’s high demand trades, and ITA is committed to working with our partners in industry, training, and education to respond quickly to ensure we have the right skills in place at the right time to create a highly skilled workforce across the province.”

Media Contacts:

Stacey McGaghey Jones
Ministry of Advanced Education
Government Communications and Public Engagement
250 952-6400

Darren McDonald
Communications Specialist
Marketing and Communications
University of the Fraser Valley
604 795-2819
604 302-1266 (cell)