Skilled trades students in the Rocky Mountain School District 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.

School No. District 6 (SD6), which includes high schools in Kimberley, Invermere and Golden, is receiving $108,958 over the next three years for the purchase of equipment including MIG welders, band saws and routers.

The Youth Trades Capital Equipment Program will see $7.5 million dispersed throughout B.C. 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 B.C. Over the program’s three years, more than $9 million of the $15-million total will be distributed to rural school districts.

Fifty-nine B.C. school districts are receiving youth trades capital funding over the next three years, 42 of which are in rural B.C.

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; and

* 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.

“It is essential that we continue to support and engage students who are interested in the skilled trades. We want to be sure that we are giving our students a chance to experience a variety of skills training options as they consider their future career plans. By funding this new equipment we want to ensure that students have the tools they need to be successful in these important programs,” stated Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour during a tour through the region.

“Students throughout the province are benefiting from this investment in trades training equipment. Strengthening trades programs in schools helps ensure students receive the hands-on experiences they need to succeed in this changing world – and be prepared for lifelong careers in the trades and technology industry,” added Mike Bernier, Minister of Education.

ITA provides more than 100 apprenticeship training programs in B.C., including 50 Red Seal trades.

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