The Province announced today that it has invested, through the Industry Training Authority (ITA), a combined $660,000 to three training providers in Langley for skills training seats in high-priority trades.

The investments will fund a total of 464 seats through to March 31, 2017. Receiving funding are:

• Roofing Contractors Association of B.C.: $401,000 for 320 seats in roofer, architectural sheet metal worker and residential steep roofer.
• Electrical Industry Training Institute: $182,000 for 96 utility arborist seats.
• Fenestration Education Society of B.C.: $77,000 for 48 glazier seats.

The funding is part of the ITA’s allocation to B.C. post-secondary institutions and training providers to run various training programs throughout the province.

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 in-demand trades.

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.

Quotes:

Mary Polak, MLA for Langley —  

“Interest in trade careers is growing across the province. These investments will ensure that British Columbians have the opportunity to access training in high-priority trades so they are ready with the right skills to respond to the job markets of the future.”

Rich Coleman, MLA for Fort Langley-Aldergrove —  

“Our government is aligning education and training with in-demand jobs. B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint outlines a plan to align funding and programs to a data-driven system where training dollars and programs target in-demand occupations.”

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.”

Barbara Porth, director, administration and member services, Roofing Contractors Association of B.C. —

“Funding for apprenticeship training in the roofing industry has elevated the trade as a viable career and provides roofing trade workers with the prestige that comes with certification. RCABC and our member roofing contractors have been strong supporters of apprenticeship training in B.C. for over 20 years, which has facilitated quality workmanship and the highest standard of roofing in B.C.”

Kerry Van Sickle, director, Electrical Industry Training Institute —

“A certified utility arborist’s job consists of vegetation removal at heights and within close proximity of energized electrical equipment, structures and conductors. The B.C. government’s contribution helps provide students with hands-on practical training using the same specialized vehicles, rigging equipment and climbing systems they will be required to use on the job.”

David Langton, chairman, FEN-BC; owner, Competition Glass Co. Inc. —

“The Fenestration Association of BC (FEN-BC) membership is proud of the glazier apprentice training we have delivered since 2012. Our newly formed partnership with Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Cloverdale strengthens our commitment to excellence in curriculum and formalizes the hands-on applied learning through a high-quality facility for training. The ITA’s financial and administrative support has been an important part of our success.”

Dr. Salvador Ferreras, provost and vice-president, Kwantlen Polytechnic University —              

“KPU is pleased to welcome the Glazier Apprenticeship Training program to our institution this fall. We are equally excited about joining forces with the ITA and FEN-BC to offer this nationally designated Red Seal trade to provide highly skilled workers for B.C.’s dynamic commercial and residential construction industry.”

Quick Facts:

• ITA provides more than 100 apprenticeship training programs in B.C., including almost 50 Red Seal trades.
• There are currently 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.
• B.C. is expecting up to one million job openings by 2025 due to retirements and economic growth.
• Eight of every 10 of these job openings will require 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

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