Chilliwack, BC – Government is investing $192,651 in new trades equipment to support University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) students training for occupations critical to the economy, as part of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint.UFV will use the funding to purchase a HVAC trainer, an engine rebuild stand, a 110 tonne shop press and diesel engines.
“This funding from government will assist UFV students in gaining trades skills critical to their careers in industry,” said UFV President Mark Evered. “The new equipment will provide hands-on learning opportunities needed to train students and to fill the demand for skilled trades people across the province.”
“The anticipated need for skilled trades in a variety of industries like LNG and others across BC, means the funding for this equipment including diesel engines, HVAC and heavy duty shop material is critical for developing the human skills required in our economy,” said UFV Dean of Applied and Technical Studies John English.
“The labour outlook in B.C. is strong, with a million job opportunities by 2022,” said Chilliwack MLA John Martin. “Many of these jobs need skilled workers. The government is making significant investments to help British Columbians get the training they need for these opportunities.”
“UFV plays a critical role in training the skilled workers that B.C.’s employers are hiring for in-demand jobs,” said Chilliwack-Hope MLA Laurie Throness. “This is a significant investment at a time when we are expecting a substantial demand for skilled workers in region.”
Government is investing $185 million over three years in new trades training equipment and facilities to support students entering in-demand sectors, including LNG, shipbuilding and ship repairs and construction.
B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint lays out a major shift to a data-driven system where training dollars and programs are targeted to jobs in demand. Funding and programs are evolving to meet labour market needs.
Quick facts:
· By 2022, there will be one million job openings in B.C. – more than 78% of jobs will require some form of post-secondary education.
· Approximately 13% of the one million projected job openings to 2022 are for in-demand trade occupations in B.C.
To learn more about B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, visit www.workbc.ca/skills. For more information on B.C.’s 2022 Labour Market Outlook, visit http://ow.ly/DOw6R
