September 21, 2016 – Vancouver Island’s post-secondary schools will be breathing new life into their electrical programs thanks to a $561,000 investment from B.C.’s Ministry of Advanced Education.

The ministry is providing Camosun College, North Island College (NIC) and Vancouver Island University (VIU) with $187,000 each for the 2016-2017 school year.

“Skilled trades are in demand on Vancouver Island and throughout B.C.,” said Comox-Valley MLA Don McRae on behalf of Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson. “Our government’s investment on Vancouver Island in new trades training equipment will help ensure students have the skills they need to become part of the work force in B.C.”

NIC says it will use the funds to purchase equipment for the electrician, automotive service technician and welding programs. Camosun College will purchase equipment for its electrical program and VIU will purchase equipment for their electrical, automotive, refrigeration and air conditioning, welding, carpentry and heavy mechanical trades programs.

“New trades equipment will provide valuable opportunities for students to develop real-world skills,” said Camosun College president Sherri Bell.

B.C. says it has invested more than $1 million for trades training equipment at NIC since the launch of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint in April 2014, as well as approximately $2.2 million at Camosun College and more than $1.5 million for VIU.

“The equipment at NIC is used by industry across B.C. and I know I’m more prepared to enter the workforce because of it,” said NIC welding student Darren Smith.

The 2025 Labour Market Outlook forecasts that the Vancouver Island – Coast region is expected to have 147,900 job openings over the next nine years, with 29% from economic growth and 71% to replace retiring workers.