October 6, 2016 – More seats in trades training—including electrical—are being added at British Columbia’s Selkirk College in Nelson thanks to a government investment of $1.845 million.

The investment, through the Industry Training Authority (ITA), will fund 458 seats through to March 31, 2017, for electricians as well as joiners, welders and others.

“Trades foundation programs are the cornerstone of Selkirk College’s yearly training plan,” said Kate Pelletier, dean of the School of Industry and Trades Training at the college. “Along with our apprenticeship programs, they provide opportunities for individuals in our region to train in areas that will be in demand, provide them with a rewarding career and create a successful livelihood.”

B.C. says it is expecting up to one million job openings by 2025 due to retirements and economic growth, and eight of every 10 of these job openings will require trades training or post-secondary education.