FORT ST JOHN, B.C. — Students at Northern Lights College recently received news of funding from B.C.’s Ministry of Advanced Education .
The college received $160,000 in funding from the $3 million allocated to 19 public post-secondary institutions.
The money will be used to buy new and replace aging trades and technology equipment. Examples of trades training equipment purchased by various post-secondary institutions last year include a used hybrid car for automotive programs, various types of saws for construction trades programs and equipment for culinary programs.
Technology equipment purchased last year included iPads, 3-D printers and new servers as well as wind and solar energy training equipment.
The college’s funding is allocated for this fiscal year, with the new equipment expected to be in place by April 2019.
“For students in trades and technology, hands-on learning is crucial,” said Melanie Mark, minister of advanced education, skills and training in a statement. “Our job as a government is to make sure students have the most up-to-date equipment and training they need to take advantage of a strong economy, support their families and build their communities.”
According to the Ministry of Advanced Skills and Training, trades and technology workers in B.C are anticipated to see up to 82,300 job openings in technology and 70,900 job openings in the trades by 2028.
B.C.’s Industry Training Authority (ITA) funded more than 26,000 apprenticeship seats in 2017 in more than 100 trades programs at 15 public post-secondary institutions, as well as private post-secondary institutions.
“Northern Lights College students will learn on the most up-to-date equipment, which sets them up for future success,” said Shelley Gray, interim CEO of the ITA in a release. “B.C. apprentices are the future of trades in B.C., and we’re thankful for this funding that puts quality of apprentice training first, ensuring they are gaining the right skills and knowledge to have a rewarding skilled trades career.”
Northern Lights College programs will lead students to careers in their own communities, said president Bryn Klumatycki, citing fields such as automotive repair, carpentry, millwright and welding as examples.
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