The Government of British Columbia will give $3 million to increase spots in high-priority trades programs at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU).
The investment, through the Industry Training Authority (ITA), will fund 1,238 seats at KPU’s Tech Campus in Cloverdale through to March 31, 2017, in various trades, including welding, electrical, automotive service technician, millwright and carpentry.
“At KPU Tech we combine both theory and practical experience, where students can develop the skills necessary to fill these in-demand careers,” said KPU president Alan Davis. “This investment means we can deliver more of this training to our students and help meet employer demand in our region.”
Stephanie Cadieux, MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale, announced the funding today on behalf of Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour, at KPU’s Tech campus in Cloverdale.
The funding is part of the ITA’s annual allocation to B.C. post-secondary institutions and training providers to run various training programs throughout the province.
“Trades training investments are integral to sustaining the upward momentum of B.C.’s economy. There is growing interest in trade careers across the province and the investment announced today will ensure British Columbians have the opportunity to access training in high-priority trades so that they are equipped with the right skills to respond to the job opportunities to come,” said Gary Herman, CEO, Industry Training Authority.
The ITA provides more than 100 apprenticeship training programs in B.C., including almost 50 Red Seal trades.
There are currently more than 39,000 registered apprentices in the industry training system (including youth) – more than double the 14,676 apprentices registered when ITA was created in 2004.
British Columbia is expecting nearly 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.