Targeted funding of $339,000 for 176 additional trades training seats will give Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) students access to training in a variety of in-demand occupations vital to the economy of British Columbia.

“Electrical, millwright and welding are all in-demand trades that companies are looking for throughout the Lower Mainland and British Columbia,” said Surrey-Cloverdale MLA Stephanie Cadieux, on behalf of Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson. “The additional seats created through this funding will help companies find the skilled workers they need and provide young people with the type of job and career they are looking for.”

Government has invested more than $835,000 for 308 trades training seats and $1.4 million for trades training equipment at KPU since 2014.

“Kwantlen Polytechnic University provides both theory and practical experience so trades students can develop the skills necessary to fill high-demand careers,” said KPU president Alan Davis. “This investment from government means we can deliver more of this training to our students and help meet employer demand in the community.”

The additional 176 trades seats at KPU include:

• Electrical: 80 seats, Level 2
• Electrical: 16 seats, Level 3
• Industrial mechanic (millwright): 16 seats, Level 2
• Industrial mechanic (millwright): 16 seats, Level 3
• Industrial mechanic (millwright): 16 seats, Level 4
• Welding: 16 seats, Level A
• Welding: 16 seats, Level B

“If I wasn’t able to take this course, I would not be able to move forward with my career,” said Adam Wittmeier, a third-year KPU millwright apprenticeship student. “I am grateful that this additional funding has been provided to KPU so I can continue my apprenticeship.”

B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint was launched two years ago to help British Columbians get the skills they need to be first in line for the almost one million job openings that are projected by 2024 and to re-engineer education and training programs using a data-driven system that focuses investments on training for in-demand jobs.

B.C. invests more than $7.5 billion in education and training each year, from early learning programs for the youngest British Columbians, all the way through to post-graduate education. Over the next 10 years, government will redirect $3 billion in training investments to focus on skills and programs for in-demand jobs to better align annual investments to meet emerging labour market needs. In-demand occupations that require post-secondary education or training range from professional to management to trades in a range of sectors including technology, natural resources and health care.

Learn More:

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

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

#BCTECH Strategy: https://bctechstrategy.gov.bc.ca/