New trades training equipment is coming to College of New Caledonia (CNC) 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.

“We’re opening doors to good-paying, family-supporting jobs when we support trades students in Prince George, the Central Interior of B.C. and throughout the province,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. “Investing in new equipment gives students the training they need to meet employer demand for skilled tradespeople and helps build 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.

“We’re excited for this funding announcement, as it gives apprentices more access to up-to-date equipment and training needed for trades and apprenticeship success,” said Shelley Gray, interim CEO of the Industry Training Authority (ITA). “Apprentices play an integral role in building the best B.C. and we’re excited to see strong commitment from the government for trades training in B.C.”

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.

“We’ve worked closely with local and regional employers to make sure we’re equipping students with the skills they need to find success in the workplace and to meet demand for employees in growing areas like trades and technology,” said Henry Reiser, president, College of New Caledonia. “Our new heavy mechanical trades facility is one way we’re working together with government to support students, and this funding for new equipment bolsters our ability to provide the best education possible.”

The $160,000 for CNC 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.