Students at Northwest Community College (NWCC) will benefit from a government investment of $187,000 toward new industry-standard trades-training equipment, such as survey equipment for the carpentry program.

“Our government is giving students at Northwest Community College the tools that they need to develop skills on equipment that is being used in workplaces throughout the region,” said Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad on behalf of Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson. “A career in the trades can be a very rewarding choice for individuals, their families and communities.”

The funding will go towards equipment for the carpentry, electrical and auto service technician programs to assist students with hands-on learning opportunities for in-demand careers.

“NWCC has a reputation for trades training excellence,” said NWCC president and CEO Ken Burt. “This funding will build additional opportunities for students to get the quality, hands-on education they need to succeed in trades careers.”

NWCC has received almost $1.5 million since the launch of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint toward trades-training equipment, as well as an additional $1.26 million for 298 trades seats.

“It's so important that students get their training on the same types of equipment that they will find once they get out into the workforce,” said Lorrie Gowen, dean of trades and workforce training at NWCC. “That experience supports employment success, which is what we strive for as a learning institution."

Government is investing $185 million in new trades-training equipment and facilities through B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint to support students entering the natural resource, industrial, marine, construction or hospitality sectors. For example, the 2025 Labour Market Outlook estimates that there will be more than 10,300 job openings for carpenters in B.C.  

Nearly one million job openings are expected in British Columbia 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 build their careers.

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/