The province of British Columbia has announced $18 million in trades training through the Industry Training Authority. The investment at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) for trades training will run through to March 31, 2017, to meet industry needs and ensure quality training in high-priority trades.

In response to the objectives outlined in B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint and the McDonald Report, the B.C. government has worked in partnership with the ITA to begin building a demand-driven trades training system with funding aligned to specific high-priority trades.

The ITA will fund 6,769 trades training seats at BCIT, including: electricians, carpenters, aircraft maintenance technicians, welders, and automotive service technicians. The provincial government invests more than $94 million annually in industry training through the ITA.

“We are expecting almost one million job openings in B.C. by 2024. That’s why our government is making these crucial investments targeting high-priority trades in our post-secondary institutions, so that we can ensure that we have the workforce necessary for our growing economy,” jobs, tourism and skills training and minister responsible for labour Shirley Bond said.

During the announcement at BCIT, the provincial government highlighted the automotive trades, noting that automotive sales have climbed more than 8% compared to one year ago, and the growth in B.C.’s new motor vehicle sales was stronger than the rest of Canada. It is forecasted that the automotive sector is anticipating up to 20,000 vacancies over the next decade, due to industry growth and retirements.

“As the largest trades training provider in British Columbia, industry is looking to BCIT to provide skilled tradespeople. The continued support from the ITA allows us to offer high-quality training for students who are eager to step into rewarding careers,” BCIT president and CEO Kathey.