Students in School District 27 will soon have the latest trades equipment to make their transition to post-secondary training, and the workforce even smoother.
The Ministry of Jobs, Tourism, and Skills Training, and Responsible for Labour announced that the District will receive more than $177,000 over the next three years for the purchase of equipment including metal lathes, TIG welders, and table saws.
The District is one of 59 school districts across the province, 42 of which are rural, to receive youth trades capital funding over the next three years.
“Trades careers are a great option for youth who are passionate about making a difference in the everyday lives of British Columbians. Investments in youth trades training like this one are important to ensure our students are provided with opportunities to explore different trades careers to find the one that best suits their interests,” said Gary Herman, CEO, Industry Training Authority.
To be eligible for funding, school districts must have demonstrated that the capital investment supports the delivery of one or more Industry Training Authority (ITA) youth trades programs.
The province is expecting up to one million job openings by 2025 due to retirements and economic growth.
Eight of every 10 of these job openings according to the BC Government will require post-secondary education or trades training.