Harper Government Invests in Trades Training Programs

VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - July 8, 2015) - Western Economic Diversification Canada

Today, the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of State, Chief Government Whip, and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North, on behalf of the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification (WD), announced $1.6 million in funding to the British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA).

The funding, provided through the Western Diversification Program, will be used to purchase trades-training equipment and a mobile training unit for BCCA's two new pilot programs aimed at developing industry-approved 'best practices' for training. These pilot programs will help identify the best learning environments to most effectively deliver training and increase the number of skilled apprentices that are ready to take on the many job opportunities in B.C.'s construction industry.

These two programs are part of a larger initiative called "Project Shop Class." The aim of this initiative is to rebuild and refit shop classes in B.C. schools and increase the number of young people aged 16-22 successfully transitioning into apprenticeship programs in B.C.

Quick Facts

• The BCCA represents over 1,700 companies in an industry that employs more than 190,000 British Columbians and directly represents more than 7% of the provincial gross domestic product.
• The first pilot will have a rural focus and will be based in Northwestern B.C. The second pilot will focus on urban areas in Southern Vancouver Island.
• The mobile training unit will allow the program to reach remote First Nations and other communities.

Quotes

"Our Government is committed to addressing critical skill shortages facing industry in Western Canada. Through this investment, the British Columbia Construction Association will be able to more effectively train skilled workers in both rural and urban communities, ensuring that they are best positioned to take advantage of opportunities in trades related to construction."

- The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of State and Chief Government Whip and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North

"This investment will have a significant and immediate impact in B.C. When young people receive their skills training on state-of-the art, industry grade equipment, the training experience is elevated and the graduate is closer to being job-ready. The WD commitment is the kind of real world action that will help make sure British Columbians are ready to take advantage of the job opportunities that are coming."

- Manley McLachlan, President, BC Construction Association

Additional Links

• Harper Government Supports Skills Development and Training in Northern Alberta

• Students in British Columbia's Kootenay Region to Benefit from Harper Government's Investment in Training Program

• British Columbia Construction Association

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