November 26, 2012 – BC Hydro has announced a $1-million investment toward supporting trades and skills training at Northern Lights College in B.C.—the funds will provide student bursaries, focusing on recruitment and retention of students. 50% of the funding for bursaries will be dedicated to Aboriginal students.

The $1-million investment will be awarded over a five-year period to “support the development of skilled workers in the north, targeting those students who may not otherwise have access to post-secondary education”, said BC Hydro.

Applications will start being accepted in early 2013, with bursaries being awarded for the fall 2013 school year.

Electrician Apprenticeship and Foundation is just one of the programs BC Hydro’s investment go toward.

“For anyone looking to enrol in a college program, the related costs are always a significant consideration. At Northern Lights College, we know this funding from BC Hydro will help make post-secondary education and training a viable alternative for more students in northern B.C.,” said Laurie Rancourt, president and CEO of Northern Lights College.

Developing skilled trades workers in northern B.C. is important for local industry, its current facilities in the Peace region and proposed Site C Clean Energy Project (Site C), said the utility, which would require an estimated 7,000 person-years of construction-related employment, if approved.

“We have a major presence in the Peace region, and we understand the need for a skilled workforce. Our funding is intended to increase participation in trades training, which benefits students, industry, and local and Aboriginal communities,” said Susan Yurkovich, executive VP, Site C Clean Energy Project, BC Hydro.