The government of B.C. is investing $443,842 in new skills training equipment at the College of the Rockies.

The funding is part of a $17-million province-wide Skills and Training Plan investment to support public post-secondary institutions to upgrade equipment and put the latest tools in the hands of B.C. students.

Equipment purchases and replacements at each institution are based upon a review and analysis of existing inventory, current and future program and industry requirements, and current government priorities to provide skills training that is aligned to the needs of the economy in each region.

Institutions will also pursue partnerships with local industries and other stakeholders to purchase or donate equipment, ensuring students continue to train on the latest equipment being used in the workplace, notes a government press release.

The type of equipment slated for new purchase or replacement at the College of the Rockies – unless otherwise donated from industry partners – includes equipment such as solar-wind energy training systems, skidder and a crawler.

College president and CEO Dr. Nicholas Rubidge said the funding support will help the college keep students as up-to-date as possible.

“The government of B.C.’s investment of this funding will go a long way in allowing the college to replace obsolete equipment as well as purchase state-of-the-art technology. In order for College of the Rockies to continue to play a vital role in preparing skilled workers to support the B.C. economy, it is critical that our students have access and are trained on the most up-to-date equipment and technology so that they are work-ready when they leave this institution,” Rubidge said.

John Yap, Minister of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology said the funding is proof the provincial government is “taking action to provide education and training opportunities aligned with the needs of our economy. This provincial investment, coupled with contributions from private industry partners, will ensure students are training on the same calibre of equipment their employers will be asking them to work on after graduation.”

Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett said it is vital to provide the proper tools for students. “It is important to safeguard our students for a successful future by placing them with the proper tools for a proper education,” he said.

Past capital investments at the College of the Rockies include:

* $5.8 million from AEIT for the expansion of Kootenay Centre and renovation of the campus front entrance.

* $15.4 million for expansion of academic and trades buildings.

* $2.0 million for the purchase of the Gold Creek Campus in 2007.

* $156,721 for new equipment for the heavy duty mechanic, carpentry, welding and automotive service technician programs as part of an

$8.75-million in one-time capital allocation for new trades training equipment.

Read more about the B.C. Skills and Training Plan:  http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/skills-and-training-plan/

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