Investing in trades

Photo: Contributed

Students in trade programs at Okanagan College are benefiting from provincial funding. 

The province announced it was providing $160,000 for trades and technology equipment to better prepare students for the workplace when they leave the classroom.

"We're working together to put 21st-century equipment in classrooms and shops to ensure trades students in the Okanagan and throughout the province are on the pathway to success and gaining the skills industry needs," said Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. 

Examples of trades training equipment purchased by various post-secondary institutions last year include a used hybrid car for automotive programs, various types of saws for construction trades programs and equipment for culinary programs. Technology equipment purchased last year included iPads, 3D printers and new servers, as well as wind and solar energy training equipment.

"The newly opened Trades Training Centre at our Vernon campus is an example of our commitment to innovation and inclusivity in education," said Jim Hamilton, president of Okanagan College. "Up-to-date equipment is another way we can provide the most relevant and high-quality education to trades students at our campuses and help meet the demand for skilled tradespeople in the North Okanagan and beyond."

Trades and technology workers are in high demand in B.C. It's anticipated the provincial economy will have 82,300 job openings in technology and 70,900 job openings in the trades by 2028

The funding announcement comes during Apprenticeship Recognition Week in British Columbia. This year, Apprenticeship Recognition Week is Nov. 4 to 10.