“Many of the sectors that support a growing economy in the North need skilled trades workers, including oil and gas and mining,” said Peace River South MLA Mike Bernier on behalf Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson. “Through B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, our government is working to ensure students graduate ready for these emerging job opportunities.”
The funding will go toward equipment for the power engineering, heavy-mechanical trades, cook, carpentry, millwright, plumbing, electrician and welding skilled trades programs at NLC.
“Delivering the highest standard of trades training in the north is so vital to our regional economy,” said NLC president Dr. Bryn Kulmatycki. “We are very fortunate to be the beneficiary of this funding that will go towards ensuring our students’ success.”
The 2025 Labour Market Outlook forecasts that the “trades, transport and equipment operators and related” occupational group is one of the top 10 in-demand occupation groups in B.C. over the next ten years. For example, the outlook estimates 940 job openings for carpenters in northern B.C. to 2025.
“I graduated from Northern Lights College this past June 2016 and I’m proud to say I am now a Red Seal certified welder who would definitely recommend the College as a great place to learn how to get into the welding trade,” said Colleen Seward, NLC alumna.
The Ministry of Advanced Education has invested more than $2 million in skilled trades training at NLC since the launch of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, including nearly $1.4 million toward trades training equipment, as well as almost $800,000 for 198 trades training seats.
The funding announced today is part of the B.C’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint commitment to invest $185 million in new trades training equipment and facilities. B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint was launched in 2014 to connect British Columbians with the training and education they need to get in-demand jobs that support a diverse, strong and growing economy.
New trades equipment gives NLC students the skills to get ahead
