Students at College of the Rockies (COTR) will benefit from $187,000 in funding toward the purchase of trades equipment, such as automatic truck transmissions for the heavy duty equipment technician program.

Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett made the announcement on behalf of Minister of Advanced Education Andrew Wilkinson during a visit to the Cranbrook campus of the college.

“Students at College of the Rockies will have the opportunity to develop hands-on experience on industry-standard tools and equipment that are being used at workplaces in their communities,” said Bennett. “Our government is putting students first in line for jobs in our diverse, strong and growing economy.”

The funding will go toward equipment for the automotive service technician, heavy duty equipment technician and piping trades programs.

“We at College of the Rockies are proud of our excellent trades programs, which are designed to prepare students for real-world success in careers in our region,” said COTR president David Walls. “We appreciate the B.C. government’s continued support of trades training.”

COTR has received more than $1.4 million in equipment funding to support skills training since the launch of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, as well as more than $358,000 for an additional 112 trades training seats.

“In order for us to continue to play a vital role in preparing skilled workers to support the B.C. economy, it is critical that our students have access to and are trained on the most up-to-date equipment and technology possible,” said Jack Moes, dean of trades and technology at COTR. “This investment will help us to ensure that we can continue to provide that opportunity to our students.”

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. The B.C. Labour Market Outlook 2025 estimates that there will be 5,440 job openings for automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers in B.C.

Nearly one million job openings are expected in British Columbia by 2025. 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.

(flickr.com)

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/