July 28, 2014 – The Government of British Columbia says it is delivering on its commitment in B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint to increase access and reduce waitlists for critical trades training seats by adding 272 seats at the BC Institute of Technology (BCIT) that are aligned with the top 12 Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) trades jobs, including industrial electricians.

Seats will be available to students as early as September 2014. BCIT will receive $1.35 million from the provincial government, with $798,000 to fund the additional 272 seats and $553,000 in operating funds for minor equipment, such as tools, a small steam boiler, welding equipment, threading machines and other training equipment to support trades students.

The 272 seats represent a 4% increase over the 6739 seats funded at BCIT by the Industry Training Authority. The additional seats include 32 electrician foundation seats and 32 electrician apprenticeship seats. Additional funding and seat allocations in public post-secondary institutions offering trades and technical training throughout the province will be made in the coming weeks.

“We want British Columbians first in line for the one million job openings anticipated to open by 2022. These additional 272 seats at BC Institute of Technology will create greater opportunities for students to move from learners to earners,” said advanced education minister Amrik Virk.