Students at Selkirk College will benefit from $187,000 in funding toward the purchase of trades equipment, such as a new table saw for the carpenter program.

Minister of Advanced Education Andrew Wilkinson announced the funding during a visit to the college.

“Our government is providing students with the hands-on experience that will put them first in line for exciting and rewarding careers in the trades,” Wilkinson said. “Selkirk College students will benefit from the opportunity to build employable skills on new, industry-standard equipment that is currently found on jobsites throughout our province.”

The funding will go toward equipment for the electrician, heavy mechanical, millwright and carpentry programs to assist students in developing the skills for in-demand careers.

The 2025 Labour Market Outlook forecasts that the trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupational group is one of the top 10 in-demand occupation groups in B.C. For example, the Outlook estimates 940 job openings for carpenters in northern B.C. to 2025.

“Selkirk College is working with government to meet training needs for high-demand trades,” said Selkirk College president Angus Graeme. “Putting the right high-quality tools in the hands of trades students means that they are prepared for the workplace and have the skills employers want.”

The Ministry of Advanced Education has invested more than $15 million in skilled trades training at Selkirk College since the launch of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, including more than $651,000 for new trades training equipment and more than $444,000 for 90 critical trades seats. Government also invested up to $10.34 million toward the $18.9 million Silver King campus at Selkirk College in Nelson, which is expected to be complete in 2017.

“This equipment is necessary for Selkirk College to remain current and allow us to continue the quality training we have been providing our communities for past 50 years,” said Dave Briggeman, Selkirk College electrical program instructor.

The funding announced today is part of the Blueprint commitment to invest $185 million in new trades training equipment and facilities. B.C.’s Blueprint was launched in 2014 to connect British Columbians with the training and education they need to get in-demand jobs that support a 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/

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

Selkirk College trades programs: http://selkirk.ca/school/industry-and-trades-training