October 30, 2013 – BC’s advanced education minister, Amrik Virk, today announced $1.8 million in one-time funding for 456 foundation seats in targeted trades-training at 10 public post-secondary institutions.

“Trades will continue to be a vital component of our economy now and even more so in the future,” said Virk. “In addition to targeting specific trades, the funding also supports the trades discovery program that gives young people an insight into what can be an exciting career, and will put a paycheque in their back pocket.”

The minister made the announcement during a visit to Northwest Community College’s Terrace campus, where he was joined by college president Denise Henning, staff, students and industry representatives while visiting the college’s trades training facilities.

Foundation training programs provide students with the basic knowledge and skills needed for entry into a particular occupation. Students receive credit for the first level of apprenticeship training in a specific field by the Industry Training Authority once they have successfully completed the foundation program.

“A skilled workforce is a key driver of BC’s economic growth and, with one million jobs to fill in BC by 2020, it has never been more important to prepare British Columbians with the right skills,” said Shirley Bond, minister of jobs, tourism and skills training and responsible for labour. “Foundation training programs are a great example of how government is taking action through the BC Jobs Plan and the Skills and Training Plan to support training opportunities and ensure British Columbians are first in line for jobs.”

In total, the $1.8 million will create 456 student spaces in 2013-14 with $1.6 million allocated for priority foundation programs. The remainder will be allocated to the pilot trades discovery programs at four of the 10 institutions.

The post-secondary institutions receiving funding specific to Electrical include:

• Camosun College (Victoria Interurban campus): 54 seats
• Kwantlen Polytechnic University (Cloverdale campus): 16 seats
• Okanagan College (Kelowna campus): 54 seats
• College of the Rockies (Cranbrook campus): 16 seats
• North West Community College (Prince Rupert campus): 16 seats

PHOTO (from left to right): Elder Sharon Bryant of the Tsimshian Nation; Denise Henning, president and CEO of Northwest Community College; Minister Virk; Michelle Bryant of Ridley Terminals Inc.; Dave O’Leary, vice-president of Institutional Advancement, Northwest Community College.