As part of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, the College of New Caledonia (CNC) will receive funding for an additional 56 training spaces to increase access and reduce wait times for trades that are 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.

CNC will receive total of $143,000 including $96,000 for the seats and $47,000 in operating and equipment funding to support delivery of training programs. The additional 56 seats include:

• 16 welder apprenticeship seats.
• 8 crane operator apprenticeship seats.
• 16 electrical apprenticeship seats.
• 16 heavy-duty equipment mechanic apprenticeship 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, and current waitlists, institutions’ capacity to add training seats. The additional seats will be available to students as early as September 2014.

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.”

Prince George-Valemount MLA and Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training Minister and Minister Responsible for Labour Shirley Bond -

“We are re-engineering post-secondary education and training to put British Columbians first in line for the one million job openings expected by 2022. These additional 56 trades training seats at CNC mean greater opportunities for students to get the skills they need to get ahead.”

Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Mike Morris -

“Our government’s blueprint committed to delivering a trained workforce that will be ready for jobs in a range of industries, including liquefied natural gas. A career in the trades provides people with the opportunity for long-term, well-paying jobs that strengthen our families and communities.”

College of New Caledonia president Henry Reiser -

“CNC is very pleased that this government funding will help us offer more trades training seats and reduce wait times for students. With the growing demand for skilled trades people, there’s never been a more important time to help students get the training they need.”

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 throughout the province.”

Media Contacts:

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

Annette Stevens
CNC Communications Manager
250 561-5878
250 640-1521 (cell)