As part of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) will build a new trades training facility where Aboriginal students can receive training for jobs in the liquefied natural gas industry and other in-demand sectors.

The new trades training facility will create spaces for an additional 40 electrical, plumbing and piping foundation students each year. The spaces at NVIT provide another option for learners in British Columbia.

Located at NVIT’s main campus in Merritt, construction of the 670 square meter trades facility is expected to start later this year and is scheduled to open in 2016. Total cost of the project is $1.8 million. Government is providing $1.5 million towards the cost, with NVIT contributing the remaining $300,000.

NVIT is an Aboriginal public post-secondary institution, offering a range of education and training programs. Approximately 80% of students at NVIT are Aboriginal.

As announced as part of B.C.’s Blueprint in April 2014, government will invest $185 million in trades and skills infrastructure and equipment projects. This includes a number of projects underway including trades facilities at Camosun College and Okanagan College. In addition to NVIT, other new capital projects throughout the province will be announced in the coming months.

Quotes:

Minister of Advanced Education Amrik Virk -

“Government is committed to working in partnership with Aboriginal people to ensure they benefit from opportunities in our growing economy. B.C.’s Blueprint is helping fund the new trades facility at Nicola Valley Institute of Technology to support Aboriginal people be first in line for jobs.”

Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart -

“The future is bright for Aboriginal students and we want to make sure they have the necessary training to acquire the skills needed for jobs. This new trades facility at NVIT will be a great addition to the campus, for the community of Merritt and will be a solid investment in the future of students from across the province who attend this great institution.”

Nicola Valley Institute of Technology president Ken Tourand -

“The new trades facility at NVIT is a significant step toward meeting the training needs of Aboriginal learners desiring a career in the trades. This partnership between NVIT and government provides access to the relevant skills and knowledge required for learners to be successful in their careers.

“During the past year NVIT delivered the Electrician Foundation program and is currently offering the Plumbing and Piping program. Prospective, current and past students recognize the vast employment opportunities in the trades, and having the opportunity to attend BC’s Aboriginal Public Post-Secondary Institute to receive training that leads to employment, whether in the LNG sector or other growing industries, is critical.”

Quick facts:

• B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint is a re-engineering of the provincial education system - from kindergarten straight through to post-secondary training and beyond.
• By 2022, there will be one million job openings in B.C.
• More than 78% of jobs will require some form of post-secondary education, and 43% in trades and technical occupations.
• B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint ensures B.C. has the trained workers needed to fill the top LNG-related jobs, and other in-demand occupations.

Learn more:

B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: www.workbc.ca/skills

Media Contacts:

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