The provincial government continues to support the B.C. Centre of Training Excellence in Oil and Gas with one-time funding of $125,000.

The B.C. Centre of Training Excellence in Oil and Gas is located at the Jim Kassen Industry Training Centre at Northern Lights College in Fort St. John. It is a hub for shared oil and gas expertise that includes curriculum development, program promotion and co-ordinated training opportunities.

The activities of the B.C. Centre of Training Excellence in Oil and Gas complement the B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: Re-Engineering Education and Training, which is aligning education and training with in-demand occupations that are critical to the oil and gas, and other industries.

The B.C. Centre of Training Excellence in Oil and Gas was announced November 2012 to build on the work of the existing centre. Most recently the centre has developed a Working in Natural Gas program that is being delivered throughout the province.

Quotes:

Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson -

“Preparing students to enter the oil and gas industry with high-quality training supports the needs of industry and our provincial economy. The centre continues to provide regional education opportunities that benefit an economy that is diverse, strong and growing.”

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

“The oil and gas sector in B.C. is poised for growth - much of it in the North. Through the Skills for Jobs Blueprint, government is working closely with industry and labour ensuring to deliver training and apprentices to meet labour force demands. With a million jobs openings projected in B.C. by 2022 driven by retirements and a growing economy, we ensure British Columbians have the right skills to find their fit in our diverse and growing economy.”

Peace River North MLA Pat Pimm -

“We’re taking action to provide education and training opportunities that are aligned with the needs of our economy, building industry and employment opportunities in northern British Columbia. The resources available through the centre will help ensure learners get the training they need to succeed in the workforce.”

Peace River South MLA Mike Bernier -

“Northern Lights College is a vital part of our region. By providing training opportunities in a hands-on environment, the college helps students develop the skills they will need to fill in-demand jobs.”

Northern Lights College president Nick Rubidge -

“Northern Lights College is an innovative educational leader. The co-operation, collaboration and input of industry have created an outstanding training venue.”

Art Jarvis, owner of FloRite Environmental Systems -

“From an employer’s perspective, the B.C. Centre of Training Excellence in Oil and Gas is helping to provide us with the knowledgeable workforce necessary to keep the industry flourishing. There are a lot of bright young people in the north and this venue is imperative to train students who are wishing to enter into the energy industry.”

Media Contacts:

Stacey McGaghey Jones
Ministry of Advanced Education
250 952-6400