Skilled trades students in the North Vancouver and West Vancouver School Districts will benefit from a three-year, $15-million investment by the B.C. government to support youth trades programs with the purchase of new trades training equipment.

• School District 44 (North Vancouver) is receiving $195,886 over the next three years to purchase equipment including a centrifugal casting machine, table saws and spot welders.
• School District 45 (West Vancouver) is receiving $101,841 over the next three years to purchase equipment including CO2 laser cutters, metal lathes and band saws.

The Youth Trades Capital Equipment Program will see $7.5 million dispersed during the current school year. The remaining $7.5 million will be distributed in 2017-18 ($4 million) and 2018-19 ($3.5 million).

Fifty-nine B.C. school districts are receiving youth trades capital funding over the next three years.

The Youth Trades Capital Equipment Program is designed to:

• Increase participation and successful completion of youth trades programs and the number of students that continue on to further trades training programs;
• Ensure school districts have safe and appropriate modern trades equipment to support the delivery of trades training programs;
• Gain a better understanding of current inventory and future need for youth trades equipment in each district.

To be eligible for funding, school districts must have demonstrated that the capital investment supports the delivery of one or more Industry Training Authority (ITA) youth trades programs.

In partnership with the Ministry of Education and secondary schools, the ITA funds six youth programs in B.C. – Youth Discover the Maker Way, Youth Discover the Trades, Youth Explore Trades Skills, Youth Explore Trades Sampler, Youth Train in Trades and Youth Work in Trades.

These programs map out a clear path for youth to start their trades training earlier in high school, through post-secondary and into the workforce where they can continue an apprenticeship.

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.

Apprenticeship programs are one of the best ways for British Columbians to gain the skills and training they need to succeed in their chosen career. It is estimated 80% of training takes place on the work site and 20% takes place in the class.

The B.C. government is making record investments in modern, safe infrastructure projects throughout the province. In doing so, these construction projects are creating well-paying, family-supporting jobs. These investments are possible because of the fiscal plan of the B.C. government.

Quotes:

Naomi Yamamoto, MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale –

“We want local women and men to be at the front of the line for the nearly one million jobs expected to open before 2025. To help make that happen, it is vital that we continue to expand our support for young people who are interested in pursuing a career the skilled trades.”

Jane Thornthwaite, MLA for North Vancouver-Seymour –

“With more skilled tradespeople retiring from the workforce than entering it, it is necessary that we start preparing our youth now for careers in the skilled trades. The Youth Trades Capital Program provides up-to-date equipment to support school districts as they prepare students for their journey toward family-supporting careers.”

Ralph Sultan, MLA for West Vancouver-Capilano –

“B.C. is an economic leader in Canada, but to keep the momentum going we must invest in the future. Part of that investment means giving tools and resources to the young men and women who will make up our workforce in the years ahead. This program gives students the opportunity to expand their skills and help them gain experience for the in-demand jobs to come.”

Gary Herman, CEO, Industry Training Authority –

“Trades careers are a great option for youth who are passionate about making a difference in the everyday lives of British Columbians. Investments in youth trades training like this one are important to ensure our students are provided with opportunities to explore different trades careers to find the one that best suits their interests.”

Quick Facts:

• ITA provides more than 100 apprenticeship training programs in B.C., including 50 Red Seal trades.
• There are currently nearly 45,000 participants in apprenticeship programs in the industry training system (apprentices, high school youth and foundation), more than double the 20,050 participants when the 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