The British Columbia government announced today an investment of $4.16 million in Thompson Rivers University (TRU) for skills training in high-priority trades seats.

The investment, through the Industry Training Authority (ITA), will fund 1,588 seats through to March 31, 2017 in various trades, including:

• Electrician
• Welder
• Cook
• Heavy mechanical group trades
• Carpenter

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:

Todd Stone, MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson –

“Our government’s investments through the Skills for Jobs Blueprint specifically target high-priority trades so we can ensure B.C. has the workforce necessary for our growing economy. By working with our training providers like TRU, we can give British Columbians the skills they need for in-demand jobs in our region and throughout the province”

Terry Lake, MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson –

“The school of trades and technology at TRU puts Kamloops at the forefront of trades training in B.C., offering foundation and apprenticeship training in 20 disciplines. Continuing to invest in trades training at TRU means more people in and around Kamloops have the opportunity to get the training they need to meet the demands of the labour market.”

Baldev Pooni, interim dean of trades and technology, Thompson Rivers University –

“Our trades programs are a first stop for many employers when they are searching for highly skilled, job-ready graduates and apprentices, and today’s announcement allows us to build on that reputation. This announcement further demonstrates how the ITA and B.C. government continue to lead by example by first listening to industry’s training needs, and then empowering TRU to deliver solutions. TRU is proud to contribute to regional economic development and play a vital role in such a healthy and strong relationship.”

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.”

Quick Facts:

• ITA provides more than 100 apprenticeship training programs in B.C., including 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