Skilled-trades students in the Coquitlam School District 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.

Today, Port Moody-Coquitlam MLA Linda Reimer visited Dr. Charles Best Secondary school in Coquitlam to announce School District 43 is receiving $327,987 over the next three years for the purchase of equipment including a wind tunnel, disc sanders and food processors.

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 Reimer, MLA for Port Moody-Coquitlam –

“New trades training equipment gives our students the latest tools to learn on, which will make their eventual transition to the workforce much smoother. All of our youth trades training programs are giving students a head start on their pursuit of great careers right here at home.”

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.”

Kerri Palmer Isaak, chair, School District 43 Board of Education –

“We are pleased to receive this funding to support the valuable educational opportunities our students receive in our 16 trades and career programs.”

Patricia Gartland, superintendent, School District 43 –

“Our trades and career programs prepare students for many valuable job opportunities in the 21st century and we are pleased they will have updated equipment to learn on.”

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