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Additional seats open in NIC trades programs

Funding boost allows for 46 new seats in the electrical, plumbing and truck and transport apprenticeship programs

An additional 46 trades training seats will give north island students access to training in a variety of in-demand occupations in a range of sectors that support the provincial economy.

North Island College will receive a funding boost of $71,850 for trades seats in the electrical, plumbing and truck and transport (heavy duty mechanical) apprenticeship programs as part of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint.

“Our government has a strategy in place to align education and training with in-demand jobs,” said Comox Valley MLA Don McRae on behalf of Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson. “Targeting funding to boost capacity in critical trades seats will give make sure north island students have the skills that they need to succeed.”

The announcement today comes shortly before the two-year anniversary of B.C.’s Blueprint, launched by government on April 29, 2014. B.C.’s Blueprint outlines a plan to re-engineer the education system by aligning education and training with in-demand jobs in B.C.

“North Island College is proud to work with the B.C. Government to create more trades training opportunities for students,” said North Island College President John Bowman. “Access to leading-edge equipment is key to making sure our students are prepared to work on major projects across Vancouver Island.”

“Forestry is one of the key industries in Campbell River, and there is a need for a lot of heavy duty mechanics in this area,” said Jake Manners, a level 4 heavy duty mechanic student at North Island College. “A lot of the guys I went to school with are working locally so it’s important to have the program here.”