Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation
The Province has announced today that it has invested, through the Industry Training Authority (ITA), $18 million in British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) for trades training through to March 31, 2017, to meet industry needs and ensure quality training in high-priority trades.
In response to the objectives outlined in B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint and the McDonald Report, the B.C. government has worked in partnership with the ITA to begin building a demand-driven trades training system with funding aligned to specific high-priority trades.
With the government’s $18-million investment, the ITA will fund 6,769 trades training seats at BCIT, including:
- electrician
- carpenter
- aircraft maintenance technician
- welder
- automotive service technician
During the announcement, which took place in a BCIT automotive service technician training facility, the provincial government highlighted the automotive trades, noting that automotive sales have climbed over 8% compared to one year ago, and the growth in B.C.’s new motor vehicle sales was stronger than the rest of Canada. It is forecasted that the automotive sector is anticipating up to 20,000 vacancies over the next decade, due to industry growth and retirements.
The provincial government invests more than $94 million annually in industry training through the ITA. The ITA leads and co-ordinates British Columbia’s skilled trades system by working with employers, employees, industry, labour, training providers and government to issue credentials, manage apprenticeships, set program standards and increase opportunities in the trades.
(flickr.com) Quotes:
Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour –
“We are expecting almost one million job openings in B.C. by 2024. That’s why our government is making these crucial investments targeting high-priority trades in our post-secondary institutions, so that we can ensure that we have the workforce necessary for our growing economy.”
Richard T. Lee, MLA for Burnaby North –
“Apprentices and their educators are an invaluable part of our province’s economy. They help fill our labour market demands and keep our economy diverse and strong. I am happy to see that BCIT has been recognized as a part of this winning solution for B.C.’s economy.”
Gary Herman, CEO, Industry Training Authority –
“B.C.’s economy is growing and is forecasted to be one of Canada’s strongest in the coming years. With more skilled tradespeople retiring from the workforce than entering it, investments like these will help equip British Columbians with the right skills to respond effectively to the upcoming job opportunities in the province.”
Kathy Kinloch, president and CEO, British Columbia Institute of Technology –
“As the largest trades training provider in British Columbia, industry is looking to BCIT to provide skilled tradespeople. The continued support from the ITA allows us to offer high-quality training for students who are eager to step into rewarding careers.”
Blair Qualey, president, New Car Dealers Association of BC –
"The B.C. auto industry is facing a significant labour shortage, with over 20,000 jobs becoming available over the next 10 years. Currently employing over 36,000 British Columbians, the auto sector is actively working on training and attracting the next generation of skilled workers for our industry. The investment made today will assist in ensuring that we have skilled professionals to occupy the job vacancies expected across our province, and I want to thank the Province for this important investment in our future."
(flickr.com) Quick Facts:
- ITA provides more than 100 apprenticeship training programs in B.C., including almost 50 Red Seal trades.
- Currently, there are more than 39,000 registered apprentices in the industry training system (including youth) – more than double the 14,676 apprentices registered when ITA was created in 2004.
- British Columbia is expecting up to one million job openings by 2024 due to retirements and economic growth.
- Eight of every 10 of these job openings will require some sort of post-secondary education or trades training.
Learn More:
Industry Training Authority: http://www.itabc.ca/
B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint:
https://www.workbc.ca/Training-Education/B-C-s-Skills-for-Jobs-Blueprint.aspx
British Columbia Institute of Technology: http://www.bcit.ca/
