Students at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) will benefit from $187,000 in funding toward the purchase of trades equipment, such as a hydraulic trainer for the millwright and automotive programs.

Surrey-Cloverdale MLA Stephanie Cadieux announced the funding on behalf of Minister of Advanced Education Andrew Wilkinson during a visit to the KPU Tech campus in Cloverdale.

“Kwantlen Polytechnic University provides excellent hands-on training opportunities for students pursuing a range of in-demand trades careers,” Cadieux said. “New trades equipment will create opportunities for students to use cutting-edge equipment to develop the skills that employers are looking for so they are first in line for jobs.”

The funding will go toward equipment for the electrical, millwright, automotive, welding and metal fabrication programs to assist students with hands-on learning opportunities to develop skills for in-demand careers.

“At KPU, we are proud to be home to one of the most advanced trades and technology training facilities in Canada,” said Salvador Ferreras, provost and vice president of academic at KPU. “Today’s announcement means we can continue to provide our students with an exceptional learning experience that gives them the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workplace – immediately, and in the future.”

KPU has received more than $1.5 million since the launch of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint toward the purchase of trades-training equipment, as well as nearly $836,000 for an additional 308 critical trades seats.

“It is the expectation of our students when they come to class that they are getting a quality education – an education that prepares them for real-world careers in their chosen fields,” said KPU electrical faculty instructor Jeff Janzen. “This investment lets us deliver that.”

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. For example, the B.C. Labour Market Outlook 2025 estimates that there will be approximately 3,300 job openings for construction millwrights and industrial mechanics.

"KPU is giving me the training I need to enter my field with confidence and competence," said Euan Cameron, KPU electrical foundations student. "Those aren’t just benefits to me, but to my future employer.”

The B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint was launched in April 2014 by the Province 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.

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/

Kwantlen Polytechnic University: http://www.kpu.ca/