British Columbia’s technology sector is strong and growing and to celebrate the success of the sector and those who work in it, the B.C. government is proclaiming March 13 to 17, as Technology Skills Appreciation Week.

Technology Skills Appreciation Week in B.C. recognizes the valuable contribution of people working with technological skills to support the province’s economy and labour force. B.C.’s technology sector is growing faster than the overall economy, so it is critical for the province to attract, retain and develop in-demand skills.

The proclamation complements the #BCTECH Strategy by supporting employers’ need for talent in B.C.’s vibrant technology sector. The 10-year tech strategy includes a $100-million BC Tech Fund and initiatives to increase talent development and market access for tech companies to drive innovation and productivity across the province.

Highlighting Technology Skills Appreciation Week is the #BCTECH Summit March 14 and 15, at the Vancouver Convention Centre. More than 5,000 participants are expected for the two-day showcase of made-in-B.C. technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.

The #BCTECH Summit is a presentation of the B.C. government in partnership with the B.C. Innovation Council, a Crown agency, and is the largest technology conference in B.C.

The #BCTECH Summit builds on the three pillars of the #BCTECH Strategy:

• Improve access to capital for promising companies and continue to support B.C.’s competitive tax system and research environment;
• Develop and expand B.C.’s technology talent pool;
• Make it easier for companies to access new markets.

Quotes:

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

“With almost one million job openings expected in B.C. by 2025, we want to ensure that British Columbians have every opportunity to be at the front of the line for these opportunities. Technology continues to be an important driver of the province’s strong and diverse economy and is one of the key sectors of the BC Jobs Plan. Technology Skills Appreciation Week brings awareness to the exciting careers that are available for technologists and technicians, and the skills that are required to succeed.”

Amrik Virk, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services –

“Tech jobs are in demand in B.C. and at wages 75% higher than average, it’s a great career pursuit. Technology is interwoven in all sectors of our economy, making the career opportunities varied and available all over the province. There is no better time than now to pursue the skills and training required to work in the tech industry.”

John Leech, CEO, Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC –

“Technology Skills Appreciation Week presents a great opportunity to showcase B.C.’s workers who apply technology skills every day. These STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) careers are critical to the safety, growth, development and sustainability of B.C.'s economy and the environment. We applaud the B.C. government for recognizing the contribution of the many workers who employ technology skills in most sectors, whether as a technologist, technician, engineer, tradesperson, house inspector, forester, biologist, agrologist or one of many other careers. ASTTBC is also focusing attention on our work with the B.C. government to support British Columbians who are not as fully engaged as they could be in the engineering and technology workforce, such as single parents, First Nations, women and newcomers to B.C. with foreign credentials.”

Quick Facts:

• The technology sector directly employs more than 100,000 people, and wages for those jobs are 75% higher than those of the average B.C. worker.
• Technology employees earned $1,590 per week, compared to just $910 per week for the average B.C. worker. This is also higher than the Canadian average for technology workers, at $1,480.
• In 2013, the technology sector added $13.9 billion to B.C.’s GDP.
• The gross domestic product of B.C.’s tech sector expanded 2.4% in 2015, contributing $14.1 billion to B.C.’s overall economic output.
• New technology companies are developing; in 2015, there was a 1.9% rise in their numbers, for a total of 9,905.

Learn More:

B.C. 2025 Labour Market Outlook: https://www.workbc.ca/Statistics/Labour-Market.aspx

B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: https://www.workbc.ca/Training-Education/B-C-s-Skills-for-Jobs-Blueprint/Learn-about-Blueprint.aspx

#BCTECH Strategy: https://bctechstrategy.gov.bc.ca/

#BCTECH Summit March 14-15, 2017 http://bctechsummit.ca/

To find out more about resources for job seekers and employers in B.C., visit: https://www.workbc.ca/