Skilled trades students in School District 38 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 38 (Richmond) is receiving $292,250 over the next three years to purchase equipment including embroidery machines, thickness planers and scroll 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:

Linda Reid, MLA for Richmond East –

“This investment in our secondary schools is a critical part of our youth trades training plan that maps a clear pathway from school, to apprenticeships and into the workforce. B.C. is anticipating nearly one million job openings by 2025, and the youth trades programs will help our youth get the hands-on experience employers look for.”

John Yap, MLA for Richmond–Steveston –

“Eight out of 10 job openings will require some sort of post-secondary education or trades training. By providing the needed equipment for skills training, we’re giving our youth a head start on getting a good job when they enter the workforce.”

Teresa Wat, MLA for Richmond Centre –

“We are re-engineering our education and training programs towards a data-driven system that focuses our investment on jobs that are in-demand. The youth trades programs and the purchase of new trades training equipment are part of our plan to give our youth the skills and education they need to be first in line for the in-demand jobs of the future.”

Gary Herman, CEO, Industry Training Authority –

“The B.C. government invests more than $7.5 billion in education and training each year from early learning programs for the youngest British Columbians all the way through to post graduate education. This is to ensure that British Columbians acquire the skills they’ll need to get the job they want.”

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