The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is receiving $103,400 toward the purchase of simulation mannequins that will give health-care students, including nurses, the hands-on experience they need to be prepared for the workplace.

Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson announced the funding as he toured UNBC’s school of nursing today. The Ministry of Advanced Education is focusing funding and programs to sectors that have a high demand for skilled workers, including those in health care.

The 2024 Labour Market Outlook projections show that the health-care and social-assistance industry is expected to be among the top five growth sectors in the North Nechako region. Health-care occupations are expected to be among the most in-demand over the next 10 years in British Columbia. The outlook predicts 25,505 openings for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses, along with 2,850 openings for general practitioners and family physicians, and a further 2,030 openings for specialist physicians.

The $103,400 investment for health-care training equipment announced today is part of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint. Under the Blueprint, government is targeting funding and programs to in-demand jobs that support a diverse, strong and growing economy.

(flickr.com)

Quick Facts:

• Almost one million job openings are anticipated in British Columbia over the next decade, and most of these openings will require post-secondary training.
• Approximately 42% of job openings will require college education or apprenticeship training.
• 36% will require university and/or significant work experience.
• 18% will require high school and/or occupation-specific training.

(flickr.com)

Learn More:

B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: http://ow.ly/YCyjt

B.C. 2024 Labour Market Outlook: http://ow.ly/YFiQS

UNBC programs: http://www.unbc.ca/programs

Quotes:

Minister of Advanced Education Andrew Wilkinson –

“The Ministry of Advanced Education is providing health-care students with new equipment to ensure they have hands-on learning opportunities using the latest equipment. This is one way that our government is working to ensure that students graduate ready for health-care occupations that are in-demand throughout the North.”

MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie Mike Morris –

“Funding for new health-care training equipment will help UNBC continue the important work of preparing students for health-care occupations that support northern residents and their families.”

MLA for Prince George-Valemount Shirley Bond –

“We know how important it is to provide training opportunities in Northern British Columbia if we want to recruit and retain the health-care professionals we require now and in the future. Ensuring that we have the latest equipment to support our students is key to their success.”

University of Northern British Columbia president Dr. Daniel Weeks –

“UNBC is appreciative of the ministry’s continued support for outstanding programming at UNBC, such as nursing. These types of investments help us deliver the training that is needed to educate nurses who will make their careers in the North, contributing to the social, economic and cultural sustainability of the region.”