Trades students on Vancouver Island have access to new industry-standard equipment to ensure that they graduate with in-demand skills for jobs.

The Ministry of Advanced Education is investing $187,000 each for trades equipment at Camosun College, North Island College (NIC) and Vancouver Island University (VIU), for a total of more than $561,000 in 2016-17.

“Skilled trades are in demand on Vancouver Island and throughout B.C.,” said Comox-Valley MLA Don McRae on behalf of Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson. “Our government’s investment of $561,000 on Vancouver Island in new trades training equipment will help ensure students have the skills they need to become part of the work force in B.C.”

NIC will purchase equipment for the electrician, automotive service technician and welding programs. Camosun College will purchase equipment for its electrical program. VIU will purchase equipment for their automotive, refrigeration and air conditioning, welding, electrical, carpentry and heavy mechanical trades programs.

“North Island College is the leading trades training provider for students across the region, from Ucluelet to Port Hardy and beyond,” said NIC president John Bowman. “This new equipment will help ensure North Island students continue to graduate with the skills and knowledge needed work in industries close to home and across B.C.”  

Government has invested more than $1 million for trades training equipment at NIC since the launch of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint in April 2014, as well as approximately $2.2 million at Camosun College and more than $1.5 million for VIU.

“New trades equipment will provide valuable opportunities for students to develop real-world skills,” said Camosun College president Sherri Bell. “Camosun has a long-standing reputation for trades training excellence and we are excited to work with government to prepare our students for rewarding trades careers of tomorrow.”

The 2025 Labour Market Outlook forecasts that the Vancouver Island – Coast region is expected to have 147,900 job openings to 2025, with 29% from economic growth and 71% to replace retiring workers.

“Funding for new trades equipment helps Vancouver Island University continue to train the skilled workers regional industries need,” said VIU president Dr. Ralph Nilson. “High-quality trades training is part of our commitment to providing students with relevant and in-demand skills.”

The funding is part of the Blueprint commitment to invest $185 million in new trades training equipment and facilities. Government launched B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint to align education and training with in-demand jobs in B.C. so that British Columbians have the skills and training that they need to take advantage of the diverse, strong and growing economy.

“The equipment at NIC is used by industry across B.C., and I know I’m more prepared to enter the workforce because of it,” said NIC welding student Darren Smith.

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.

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/

2025 Labour Market Outlook: https://www.workbc.ca/Labour-Market-Information/B-C-s-Economy/Reports.aspx

Camosun College trades and apprenticeship programs: http://camosun.ca/learn/areas/trades-apprenticeships.html