The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) will receive $325,274 to buy new trades training equipment that supports students entering in-demand occupations critical to the economy.

UFV is using the funds to keep up with industry and curriculum requirements.

New trades training equipment includes a steam cleaner, HVAC recovery program, and drill press for heavy duty mechanic trades students; a saw for carpentry students; a power threading machine for plumbing students; and new technology welding machines for welding students.

Government based funding for new equipment on consultations with educational institutions and the Industry Training Authority, as well as the most-recent labour-market data.

The trades training equipment funding for 2014-15 is part of a B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint commitment of $185 million over three years for trades training infrastructure and equipment at public post-secondary institutions. It builds on the announcement in July 2014 of 194 additional critical trades training seats for UFV.

Quotes:

Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson -

“Our investment means that University of the Fraser Valley trades students will continue to get hands-on experience to develop skills needed by employers. A skilled workforce is critical to our economy.”

Chilliwack MLA John Martin -

“We want British Columbians to be first in line for the million job openings expected in the coming years. New trades equipment for 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 is 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 -

“We’re committed to helping students succeed in a growing economy. New equipment will give them hands-on training that will position them for future career success.”

Abbotsford-Mission MLA Simon Gibson -

“This trades training equipment funding will help the University of the Fraser Valley continue its great work in helping our residents get the skills B.C. industries need. Ensuring sectors, including LNG, have skilled workers is just one way we’re supporting our growing economy.”

UFV president Mark Evered -

“This funding builds on the University of the Fraser Valley’s capacity to produce top professionals for a variety of trades. We’re proud to help shape the future, both regionally and beyond.”

Quick facts:

• B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint was launched in April 2014.
• The Blueprint outlines how the province is re-engineering the education system - from kindergarten through to post-secondary training and beyond - to align education and training with high-demand occupations.
• There are expected to be one million job openings in B.C. by 2022 - more than 78% of jobs will require some form of post-secondary education, and 44% of jobs will be in skilled trades and technical occupations.

Learn more:

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

B.C.’s 2022 Labour Market Outlook: http://ow.ly/DOw6R

News release on additional critical trades seats at UFV: http://ow.ly/I1VPy

Media Contacts:

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

Dave Pinton
University of the Fraser Valley
778 808-5661

BACKGROUNDER

Funding training equipment to support trades programs

The 18 eligible trades training programs, in the top 60 list of in-demand occupations, delivered by post-secondary institutions in B.C. are:

• Carpenters
• Chefs/cooks/bakers
• Concrete finishers
• Construction craft workers
• Crane operators
• Electricians
• Gas fitters
• Heavy equipment operators 
• Heavy mechanical trades
• Insulators
• Iron workers
• Machinists
• Millwrights
• Plumbers
• Power engineers
• Sheet metal workers
• Steam/Pipefitters and Sprinkler System Installers
• Welders

Media Contacts:

Richelle Funk
Ministry of Advanced Education
250 356-7876

Dave Pinton
University of the Fraser Valley
778 808-5661