College of the Rockies and Selkirk College will receive $640,702 to buy new trades training equipment that supports students entering in-demand occupations that are critical to the economy.

College of the Rockies will receive $325,274. Examples of trades training equipment include air dryer and heat exchangers for industrial mechanic and millwright students, a wheel aligner for heavy mechanical trades and an oxyfuel cutter for welding students.

Selkirk College will receive $315,428. Examples of trades training equipment include an industry-standard drill press for millwright students, a Lab Volt renewable energy trainer for electrical students and an air conditioning trainer for heavy mechanic trades students.

Government based funding for new equipment on consultations with educational institutions and the Industry Training Authority, as well as the most-recent labour-market data.

The funding for trades equipment is part of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, launched in April 2014, featuring a commitment of $185 million over three years for trades training infrastructure and equipment at public post-secondary institutions.

The funding for new trades equipment builds on the 32 additional critical trades training spaces at the College of the Rockies (COTR) and 54 additional critical trades training spaces at Selkirk College announced in July 2014.

“Our investment in trades training equipment supports a highly trained workforce. Students in trades programs at College of the Rockies and Selkirk College are getting hands-on experience that employers need,” stated Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson this afternoon during a brief ceremony at COTR’s trades building – Pinnacle Hall.

COTR president and CEO David Walls said, “New equipment provides College of the Rockies with the opportunity to help students get the necessary experience and skills to get started on their careers in high-demand fields.”

“Sectors critical to our economic growth – such as oil and gas, mining and forestry – need workers to graduate job ready. New trades training equipment at Selkirk College and the College of the Rockies gives students hands-on experience with tools currently used by these industries,” said Kootenay East MLA and Minister of Energy and Mines Bill Bennett.

Selkirk College president Angus Graeme added, “The new funding that Selkirk College has received will provide up-to-date trades equipment, allowing our students to reach their goals, secure high-demand employment, and serve the needs of our industry and community partners.”

By 2022, there will be one million job openings in B.C. – more than 78% of jobs will require some form of post-secondary education, and 44% of jobs will be in skilled trades and technical occupations, notes a Ministry of Advanced Education news release.

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