Government of Canada Investment Establishes Trades Training Program

DELTA, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - July 24, 2015) - Western Economic Diversification Canada

Today, the Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Delta - Richmond East, on behalf of the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced a $990,000 investment to the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) to establish a Heavy Duty Equipment Operator program.

Funding, provided through the Western Diversification Program, will allow BCIT to provide a fundamental operator course through the acquisition of simulators and accessory training equipment. The Heavy Duty Equipment Operator program will also offer foundation and apprenticeship programs to assist students with transition into the workplace. This program will be offered at the Motive Power Centre of Excellence at BCIT's Annacis Island campus.

This funding also supports the development of a mobile training program that will provide heavy duty equipment operator training to Aboriginal and rural communities throughout British Columbia with the purchase of a mobile training unit. Both of these programs will be fully certified by the B.C. Industry Training Authority.

Quick Facts

• Heavy duty equipment operators are employed by construction companies, heavy duty contractors, public works departments and pipeline, mining, logging and cargo-handling companies.
• The heavy duty equipment operator sector employs over 10,000 British Columbians.

Quotes

"Our Government's investment in this project will help the British Columbia Institute of Technology to directly deliver skills training in our region and to rural and Aboriginal communities across the province. Our support for this program will ensure that students are prepared to enter the workforce and meet the needs of our growing economy."

- The Honourable Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Minister of State for National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Delta - Richmond East

"BCIT is proud of our state-of-the-art facilities and equipment that provides students with access to the widest variety of training aids available. This important investment allows students the opportunity to hone critical skills in a safe environment so that they can be better prepared for gaining experience on real industrial equipment in the next phase of their training"

- Guy Ellis, Dean, BCIT School of Transportation

Additional Links

- Government of Canada Improves Access to Heavy Equipment Operator Training

- To learn more about the Government of Canada Programs for Apprentices

- BCIT website

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