Skilled trades students in the Southeast Kootenay School District No. 5 (SD5) will benefit from a three-year, $15-million investment by the B.C. government to support youth trades programs with the purchase of new trades-training equipment.

SD5 is receiving $101,288 over the next three years for the purchase of equipment including MIG welders, band saws and 3-D printers.

The Youth Trades Capital Equipment Program will see $7.5 million dispersed during the current school year. The remaining $7.5 million will be distributed in 2017-18 ($4 million) and 2018-19 ($3.5 million).

Of the $7.5 million being distributed this year, more than $5 million is going to school districts in rural British Columbia. Over the program’s three years, more than $9 million of the $15-million total will be distributed to rural school districts.

This investment in rural communities supports the recently announced “Building on our Rural Advantages: B.C.’s Rural Economic Development Strategy.” The strategy outlines the province’s long-term vision to ensure British Columbians in all regions have the opportunity for well-paying jobs and a high quality of life in their community, a Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour press release noted.

“We are expecting almost one million job openings in British Columbia by 2025 and we want British Columbians to be at the front of the line for those jobs. It is essential that we continue to support and engage students as early as possible and provide them with information and experience in the skilled trades. The funds provided will enhance the equipment needed in these important programs,” stated Shirley Bond, Minister for Jobs, Tourism, Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour during a gathering at BC Liberal candidate Tom Shypitka’s Cranbrook campaign office.

“The injection of over $100,000 in funding for trades equipment for schools in our region will help many of our students gain more first-hand experience in the trade of their choice, giving them a head start as they transition from the classroom to the workplace,” added Bill Bennett, Kootenay East MLA.

The Youth Trades Capital Equipment Program is designed to:

* Increase participation and successful completion of youth trades programs and the number of students that continue on to further trades training programs;

* Ensure school districts have safe and appropriate modern trades equipment to support the delivery of trades training programs;

* Gain a better understanding of current inventory and future need for youth trades equipment in each district.

To be eligible for funding, school districts must have demonstrated that the capital investment supports the delivery of one or more Industry Training Authority (ITA) youth trades programs.

In partnership with the Ministry of Education and secondary schools, the ITA funds six youth programs in B.C. – Youth Discover the Maker Way, Youth Discover the Trades, Youth Explore Trades Skills, Youth Explore Trades Sampler, Youth Train in Trades and Youth Work in Trades.

These programs map out a clear path for youth to start their trades training earlier in high school, through post-secondary and into the workforce where they can continue an apprenticeship.

The ITA leads and co-ordinates British Columbia’s skilled trades system by working with employers, employees, industry, labour, training providers and government to issue credentials, manage apprenticeships, set program standards and increase opportunities in the trades.

Apprenticeship programs are one of the best ways for British Columbians to gain the skills and training they need to succeed in their chosen career. It is estimated 80% of training takes place on the work site and 20% takes place in the class.

“Trades careers are a great option for youth who are passionate about making a difference in the everyday lives of British Columbians. Investments in youth trades training like this one are important to ensure our students are provided with opportunities to explore different trades careers to find the one that best suits their interests,” said Gary Herman, CEO, Industry Training Authority.

There are currently nearly 45,000 participants in apprenticeship programs in the industry training system (apprentices, high school youth and foundation), more than double the 20,050 participants when the ITA was created in 2004.

B.C. is expecting up to one million job openings by 2025 due to retirements and economic growth.

Eight of every 10 of these job openings will require post-secondary education or trades training.

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