The British Columbia government announced today an investment of $1.79 million in the University of the Fraser Valley for skills training in high-priority trades seats.

The investment, through the Industry Training Authority (ITA), will fund 504 seats through to March 31, 2017, in various trades, including:

• Electrician
• Welder
• Automotive service technician
• Cook

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:

John Martin, MLA for Chilliwack –

“It’s great for our region that these trades training seats at the University of the Fraser Valley will continue to be offered at the Trades and Technology Centre in Chilliwack, thanks to this investment by our government and the ITA. Skills-training investments like this are essential to keep the economic momentum going in the Fraser Valley and across B.C.”

Laurie Throness, MLA for Chilliwack-Hope –

“This funding will not only create more career opportunities for men and women in Chilliwack and area, but also give our region’s employers the skilled workers they need to fill in-demand occupations. This ongoing partnership between UFV, the ITA and our government is a winning combination for residents and businesses alike.”

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.”

John English, dean, faculty of applied and technical studies, University of the Fraser Valley –

“The University of the Fraser Valley is very pleased with the support from government in our ongoing mission of preparing students for meaningful and prosperous careers in sectors, ranging from aerospace to the culinary arts. Hands-on and applied training is critical in helping students achieve their dreams and this training will help enrich communities in the Fraser Valley and throughout the province.”

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