Students at Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) will benefit from $100,000 in funding toward the purchase of new industry-standard trades equipment, including portable welding booths that will enable students to prepare for jobs in the trades.

“Our government is working to ensure students graduate ready for emerging job opportunities through B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint,” said Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart on behalf of Minister of Advanced Education Andrew Wilkinson. “Hands-on experience with new, industry-standard equipment will give students at Nicola Valley Institute of Technology the skills that they need to succeed in their communities.”

“This trades equipment funding will assist NVIT in delivering high-quality, hands-on training and prepare students for careers in their communities by offering the skills that employers are looking for,” said NVIT president Ken Tourand.

In addition to trades-equipment funding, NVIT has received more than $207,000 since the launch of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint for 52 critical trades seats (delivered in partnership with Okanagan College) as well as $1.5 million toward a new $1.8-million trades training facility that officially opened in October 2015.

“Students in trades programs at NVIT will have the opportunity to learn on equipment found on jobsites throughout their communities,” said NVIT dean of trades John Chenoweth. “This new equipment will give students the experience needed to build sustainable trades careers.”

Government is investing $185 million in new trades-training equipment and facilities through B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint to support students entering in-demand careers in the natural resource, industrial, marine, construction or hospitality sectors.

"My studies at NVIT gave me the skills necessary to pursue a career as the owner of my own trades business,” said Cody Antoine, graduate of the NVIT bridging to trades program. "This new trades-training equipment is a fantastic opportunity for current and future students to benefit from the high-quality learning environment at NVIT using new, industry-standard tools.”

Nearly one million job openings are expected in B.C. over the next decade, and eight out of 10 of these openings will require post-secondary education. In-demand occupations requiring post-secondary education or training range from professional to management to trades.

Government launched B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint in April 2014 to align education and training with in-demand jobs in B.C. so that British Columbians have the skills and training they need to take advantage of the diverse, strong and growing economy.

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/