An additional 32 trades training seats at Northwest Community College will give students access to training in a variety of in-demand occupations that support a range of sectors that are important to the provincial economy.

“Our government has a plan to align training with in-demand jobs,” said Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson. “Funding for additional trades spaces will assist students at Northwest Community College to continue to access quality training for these careers so they can build prosperity in our province.”

Northwest Community College will receive a funding boost of $51,000 for the 32 additional trades seats in the carpenter and electrical programs.

“This investment in trades seats will support the long-term success of students in the north, and it reinforces the value of trades training in B.C.,” said Northwest Community College president Ken Burt. “Our students and apprentices will be able to access these seats and finish their training so that they can meet the growing demand for skilled trades workers in the province.”

The announcement comes shortly before the two-year anniversary of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, launched by government on April 29, 2014. B.C.’s Blueprint outlines a plan to re-engineer the education system by aligning education and training with in-demand jobs in B.C.

“After my foundation training, I want to work my apprentice hours with a contractor or company in Kitimat or Terrace,” said Colin Scott, carpentry foundation student at Northwest Community College. “I definitely plan on continuing through the apprenticeship levels right to the Red Seal certification. I’m all in.”

Government has invested $1.27 million for 298 trades training seats and $1.29 million for trades training equipment at Northwest Community College since 2014.

Learn More:

B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: https://www.workbc.ca/Training-Education/B-C-s-Skills-for-Jobs-Blueprint/Learn-about-Blueprint.aspx

BC Jobs Plan: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/