Printer-friendly version
|
|
|
|
NEWS RELEASE |
|
For Immediate Release |
Ministry of Advanced
Education and Labour Market Development
|
EXPANDED OPPORTUNITIES IN TRADES TRAINING IN SALMON ARM
SALMON ARM – More students in the Okanagan can now access trades training with the completed expansion of Okanagan College’s trades training facility in Salmon Arm, giving them the opportunities for successful future employment.
George Abbott, MLA for Shuswap and Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation and Colin Mayes, MP for Okanagan-Shuswap joined Okanagan College president Jim Hamilton, other college executive, faculty, staff and students today to officially open the expanded trades facility.
“Our government has invested in innovation and infrastructure to improve the quality of life for Canadians and set the foundation for economic prosperity,” said Mayes. “This investment created jobs for people at a critical period while improving the infrastructure that Okanagan College's Salmon Arm campus will need for years to come.”
The $1-million expansion was funded through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, a federal-provincial cost-sharing partnership to improve post-secondary campuses across the province while stimulating the economy during the economic downturn.
“We know that skilled trades people will be in high-demand in the coming years,” said Abbott. “This expansion will enable Okanagan College to increase access to trades training for students in our region, providing them with the skills they need for personal success and our region with the skilled labour force required for B.C.’s future success.”
The existing trades building has been expanded by 259 square metres (2,783 square feet) and a 600-square metre (6,456-square-foot) covered work area has been added. The expansion means Okanagan College has capacity for an additional 144 students – 96 in carpentry and 48 in other entry level trades programs, including Gateway to the Trades, Women in Trades and Aboriginal Careers in Trades programs.
“Our government is making record investments in public post-secondary education to ensure British Columbians have educational opportunities second-to-none,” said Moira Stilwell, Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development. “We are increasing access and choice for students and providing state-of-the-art learning environments so graduates of B.C. institutions are well prepared for careers in their chosen field.”
Okanagan College’s Salmon Arm trades facility offers programs in entry-level plumbing, electrical, residential construction, welding level C, and carpentry level 1 and 2.
“We have seen remarkable growth in trades training in this region over the past few years,” said Okanagan College President Jim Hamilton. “The federal and provincial governments’ support, along with strong support from this community, has gone a long way in providing greater access to unique and in-demand programming for the people of the region. Their commitment demonstrates the importance and value of this investment in education.”
This is one of 40 projects at post-secondary institutions across the province funded through a joint federal-provincial investment of $497 million. The total investment in these projects is $519 million including contributions from institutions.
This project is also part of an overall $14-billion capital infrastructure program supported by the Province that will create up to 88,000 jobs and help build vital public infrastructure in every region of B.C.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan sets out to stimulate the Canadian economy over the next two years and to improve our long-term competitiveness through $12 billion in new infrastructure investment, which includes the $2-billion Knowledge Infrastructure Program.
For more information on the provincial government’s three-year job creation plan, visit www.gov.bc.ca/infrastructure. For more information about the federal Knowledge Infrastructure Program visit www.ic.gc.ca/knowledge-infrastructure.
-30-
|
Contact: |
Lynn Meahan Press Secretary Office of the Honourable Tony Clement Minister of Industry 613-995-9001
Media Relations Industry Canada 613-943-2502
|
Corinna Filion Communications Director Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development 250 952-6508 250 812-7977 (cell) |
For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.
