As part of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, Selkirk College will receive funding for an additional 54 training spaces to increase access and help reduce waitlists for trades critical to the liquefied natural gas (LNG) 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.

Selkirk College will receive a total of $245,000 including $214,000 for the additional seats that will be available to students as early as September 2014 and $31,000 in operating and equipment funding to support delivery of training programs. Additional seats include:

• 18 welder foundation seats.
• 16 electrician foundation seats.
• 20 carpenter 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.

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.”

Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett -

“These 54 additional trades training seats at Selkirk College means greater opportunities for students to get the skills they need to get ahead. A career in the trades provides the opportunity for long-term, well-paying jobs that strengthen our families and communities.”

Selkirk College president Angus Graeme -

“We really appreciate this support from government to expand our training seats for rewarding career pathways that are in demand and in programs that students want. We will be able to address a number of our waitlists and prepare students sooner for some excellent job opportunities in B.C.”

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

Bob Hall
Community Liaison/Alumni Coordinator
Selkirk College
250 505-1324