The Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training has appointed six new board members to the Industry Training Authority (ITA). The new members bring diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to skilled trades training.
The demand for skilled workers continues to grow provincially, nationally and globally. ITA’s board of directors is committed to working closely and collaboratively with industry, labour, training institutions and government to ensure world-class apprenticeship and training opportunities that support sustainable careers in our growing economy.
“I’d like to welcome the new board members and thank past members for their contributions,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. “We’re assembling a strong leadership team to help make sure British Columbians have the skills to create the best BC. A diversity of perspectives is important to ensure the Industry Training Authority’s actions work for people.”
Former WorkSafeBC senior vice president, Corporate Services and Human Resources Roberta Ellis was appointed as board chair on December 14, 2017, by the B.C. government.
The six new Board members are: Bob Davis, president, Kwantlen Faculty Association at Kwantlen Polytechnic University; Cynthia Oliver, served 13 years as the president of the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators of BC (FPSE); Laird Cronk, international representative for the BC/Yukon Region to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) – 1st District Canada; Lisa Langevin, assistant business manager for the Local 213 Branch of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW); Peter Baker, development and employment partnership negotiator with the Squamish Nation Trades Centre; and Thomas Nyce, Indigenous Affairs Representative for Ledcor Industries Inc.
Andries Calitz, chief executive officer, LNG Canada, has been re-appointed and Jonathan Whitworth, former chief executive officer of Seaspan, will continue serving on the board.
ITA leads and coordinates British Columbia’s skilled trades system. ITA works with apprentices, employers, industry, labour, training providers and government to fund training, issue credentials, support apprenticeships, set program standards and increase opportunities in the trades.
