Shelley Gray, chief executive officer, Industry Training Authority –

“Changes in technology have advanced skilled trades in so many ways and investments like this ensure apprentices are receiving training on the safest and up-to-date equipment when they’re in school for technical training. Apprentices are the future of skilled trades in B.C. and it’s great to see the government’s support for moving the skilled trades forward in the province.”

Eric Sehn, dean, school of technology and trades, Camosun College –

“Access to the same type of equipment and technology used in industry will ensure students at Camosun continue to receive the education needed to succeed and thrive in programs ranging from electronic and computer engineering, through to heavy mechanical trades. Similar tools and equipment make a real difference for when students transition between the classroom and workplace.”

Jack Moes, dean, trades and technology, College of the Rockies –

“Learning on modern and state-of-the-art technology ensures our students are prepared for long careers in high-demand industries. These funds ensure we can continue to provide the hands-on training students need to succeed.”

Celeste Martin, dean, Ian Gillespie faculty of design and dynamic media, Emily Carr University of Art and Design –

“As we continue to advance and evolve our ability to deliver world-class education, it’s imperative that the tools and facilities our students rely on evolve as well. Access is a huge part of equity, and empowering greater exposure for more students to industry-standard tools and equipment will help create a future workforce that reflects the best of who we are as a province and as a community. Our students are already making waves across the country and beyond. This investment will help ensure they continue to emerge as innovators and changemakers for years to come.”

Laura McDonald, dean pro tempore, faculty of trades and technology, Kwantlen Polytechnic University –

“We are extremely grateful to receive this support from the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training to provide the best-possible learning environment for our students. These resources will help our instructors prepare students to begin or advance their employment in high-demand trades and technology fields. Those fields include appliance service technician, automotive service technician, construction electrician, millwright and industrial mechanic, plumbing, piping and welding, though many of the items will have cross-departmental benefits for our students.”

Leo Manning, dean, trades and apprenticeships, Northern Lights College –

“Trades is an area that is constantly evolving as new technology is developed. Being able to provide our students with the most up-to-date equipment not only improves their education, but better prepares them for when they get into the working world. The ability to remove barriers to our students learning is key to providing a successful learning experience.”

Baldev Pooni, dean, school of trades and technology, Thompson Rivers University (TRU) –

“Trades training needs to be current and relevant, using up-to-date equipment in the classroom. TRU is investing the capital funds received from the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training to modernize equipment used across a variety of studies, including culinary arts, welding, carpentry, refrigeration, and electrical trades training.”

Ysabel Sukic, department leader, culinary arts, Vancouver Community College (VCC) –

“At Vancouver Community College, we know the value of keeping our trades programs aligned with industry standards. This funding will help our students to continue to learn on the same equipment they will use in the workforce. Like the old saying goes, 'a chef’s only as good as her tools,' and we appreciate government's support to help us continue to offer our students the very best tools while at VCC.”