New trades training equipment is coming to Coast Mountain College (CMTN) to better prepare students for the workplace when they leave the classroom.

The funding announcement of $160,000 for trades and technology equipment comes during Apprenticeship Recognition Week in British Columbia. This year, Apprenticeship Recognition Week is Nov. 4 to 10.

“Preparing Coast Mountain students with 21st-century trades training means they can pursue exciting careers in their own communities and meet industry need for skilled workers,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. “Filling classrooms and shops with more industry-standard equipment will give students the best possible education so they can be part of building their communities and building the best B.C.”

An apprenticeship in the skilled trades is an important entry point to a long-lasting, good-paying career that will provide opportunities around the province. A key element of apprenticeship is on-the-job training. About 80% is on the job, while 20% is technical learning in the classroom.

“Apprentices play an important part in growing a strong and sustainable trades workforce in B.C.,” said Shelley Gray, interim CEO of the Industry Training Authority (ITA). “New technology and equipment in the classrooms ensure apprentices have the right skills and knowledge to take advantage of the jobs of today and tomorrow.”

The funding will be used to buy new and replace aging trades and technology equipment. Examples of trades training equipment purchased by various post-secondary institutions last year include a used hybrid car for automotive programs, various types of saws for construction trades programs and equipment for culinary programs. Technology equipment purchased last year included iPads, 3D printers and new servers, as well as wind and solar energy training equipment.

“Adding more modern equipment to our new trades training facility in Terrace helps us connect our students with the skills they’ll need when they enter the workforce,” said Ken Burt, president of Coast Mountain College. “This is especially important in our trades programs, which are helping train the skilled professionals our local businesses need, such as welders, carpenters and professional cooks.”

The $160,000 for CMTN is part of an investment of $3 million in 2018-19 at 19 public post-secondary institutions in new trades and tech training equipment. The funding is allocated for this fiscal year, with the new equipment expected to be in place by April 2019.

Quick Facts:

• This is the fourth year B.C. has proclaimed Apprenticeship Recognition Week to celebrate and recognize apprenticeships and the positive effect they have on individuals, businesses and the economy.
• Women represent less than 9% of apprentices, and less than 5% of working women in B.C. have chosen a career in the construction trades. In March 2018, the Province announced $1.8 million worth of services and programs to support women working in or starting careers in the building trades.
• Trades and technology workers are in high demand in B.C. It’s anticipated the provincial economy will have 82,300 job openings in technology and 70,900 job openings in the trades by 2028.
• High-demand trades occupations in B.C. include millwrights, heavy duty mechanics and carpenters.
• High-demand occupations in the tech industry include civil engineering, computer and software engineering, programming, web development and technicians.
• The ITA funded more than 26,000 apprenticeship seats last year in more than 100 trades programs at 15 public post-secondary institutions, as well as private post-secondary institutions.
• The $3 million in equipment funding builds on $5.4 million provided to 15 post-secondary institutions for trades and technology equipment last year.