OK College gets a lift

Forty-eight new trades seats will be added at Okanagan College.

Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training Melanie Mark announced the funding Friday, at the college's trades training centre on K.L.O. Road.

The addition will increase student access to training in a range of high-demand careers, said Mark.

"It's very apparent that the trades offer good-paying jobs, and that they play an essential role in building strong communities and growing our economy," she said.

The province is providing just under $196,000 for 16 sheet metal apprentice seats, 16 plumbing trades seats and 16 heavy mechanical trades foundation seats.

"This funding will create additional capacity in some of our most in-demand trades programs and will provide greater access to skilled training for nearly 50 people in our community," said college president Jim Hamilton. "Those students will be better prepared to enter the workforce and will do much to meet the labour-market demands of the region."

There is high demand by employers in many trades across B.C. due to retirements and economic development.