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More trades seats for college
The Government of British Columbia is investing $72,000 to create 32 seats at the College of the Rockies so students can get hands-on experience in a variety of trades occupations that support the diverse, strong and growing economy of B.C.
The allocation is part of the $727,500 announced yesterday to create 326 Trades Discovery seats at 12 public colleges, universities and institutes. The funds support B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint that government launched one year ago today.
“The demand for skilled labour will continue to increase as B.C.’s economy grows,” Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett said.
“By investing in the College of the Rockies, we are ensuring that young people will be prepared to meet this growing demand while building successful careers here at home.”
Trades Discovery provides students experience in construction, mechanical, transportation and oil and gas sectors over 10 to 12 weeks. Following the program, students can choose to enroll in a trades foundation program or pursue an apprenticeship in a trade of their choice.
The provincial government launched B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint in April 2014 to re-engineer education and training for in-demand jobs. The Blueprint uses data to drive decisions and shift training and education to better match labour market needs and priorities.
Earlier this week, government announced $6.1 million for 1,429 additional critical trades seats in 14 public post-secondary institutions throughout the province to reduce wait times for students entering trades that are in demand by a range of industries. The College of the Rockies received $194,440 for 80 seats in 2015-16 and $164,000 for 32 critical trade seats and operating funds and $ $325,274 for tools and equipment in 2014-15.
B.C. expects one million job openings by 2022. More than 78% of jobs will require some form of post-secondary education, and 44% of jobs will be in skilled trades and technical occupations. Approximately 13% of the one million projected job openings are for in-demand trade occupations in B.C.
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