Today, Premier John Horgan announced $5.4 million in additional skills training funding for trades and technology students at 15 public post-secondary institutions – with $500,000 directly benefiting the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT).
“The more access students get to up-to-date technology the better they are prepared once they leave the classroom,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. “Our investment will help students at BCIT succeed and thrive in a whole variety of jobs in different sectors – from carpentry to computing and from automotive to digital arts.”
The funding will replace aging equipment across a number of programs, including new computer servers and routers for Digital Arts students and updated engine maintenance equipment for Heavy Mechanical Trades students.
“This funding will positively impact student success, and represents a valuable investment in BC’s growing industries,” said BCIT President Kathy Kinloch. “Alongside our industry and government partners, we’re ensuring that trades and technology graduates hit the ground running in their chosen career.”
BCIT welcomed Minister Mark just last week to tour the Annacis Island Motive Power Centre of Excellence (AIC) and the Aerospace Technology Campus (ATC). The Minister was able to talk to students about their educational experiences and get a first-hand look at these high-tech campuses. Today’s announced funding will help these campuses keep their tool arsenals up-to-date with industry standards, and prepare students to meet the needs of their future employers.
