Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour, announced today an investment of $1.845 million in Selkirk College for skills training in high-priority trades seats at the college’s Silver King campus in Nelson.

The investment, through the Industry Training Authority (ITA), will fund 458 seats through to March 31, 2017, in various trades, including:

• Electrician
• Carpenter
• Cook
• Joiner
• Welder

The funding is part of the ITA’s annual 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:

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour –

“We are expecting almost one million job openings in B.C. by 2025. That’s why these crucial investments targeting high-priority trades in our post-secondary institutions are essential. We need to ensure that we have the workforce necessary for our growing economy today and in the future.”

Gary Herman, CEO, Industry Training Authority –

“There is growing interest in trade careers across the province and the investment announced today will ensure British Columbians have the opportunity to access training in high-priority trades so that they are equipped with the right skills to respond to the job opportunities to come.”

Kate Pelletier, dean, School of Industry and Trades Training, Selkirk College –

“Trades foundation programs are the cornerstone of Selkirk College's yearly training plan. Along with our apprenticeship programs, they provide opportunities for individuals in our region to train in areas that will be in demand, provide them with a rewarding career and create a successful livelihood.”

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