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Funding will benefit Camosun programs

College will receive $1.4 million from province's Skills for Jobs Blueprint

Camosun College will benefit from the $12 million the B.C. government is investing in the Skills for Jobs Blueprint.

The province is promising new trades equipment at 14 public post-secondary institutions so students planning to enter in-demand occupations learn their trade using industry-standard technology.

A total of $1.4 million is earmarked for Camosun College, to be used for the purchase of equipment such as broilers, a blast chiller, welders, a refrigeration trainer and a pump control trainer.

“For more than 40 years, students have come to Camosun for trades training, and employers have come to Camosun for skilled employees,” said Camosun College president Sherri Bell.

“This latest injection of funding for industry-standard equipment, combined with our new Centre for Trades Education and Innovation, positions Camosun to meet and exceed the needs of our students and employers.”

Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson said the investment of $12 million in new trades training equipment will give students the skills needed for a wide range of in-demand careers.

“The provincial economy is growing in a range of sectors – from LNG to shipbuilding and ship repairs to construction – and having skilled workers to fill positions is critical to our ongoing success,” he said.

Labour Minister Shirley Bond said the latest funding is part of the government’s shift to focus more resources to support in-demand jobs.

“Since launching B.C.’s Blueprint, we have invested $17 million in trades training equipment and targeted $13 million to reduce wait lists in high-demand trades so our diverse, strong and growing economy has the trained workers it needs,” said Bond.

The $12 million is part of the B.C. government’s investment of $185 million over three years in new trades training equipment and facilities to support students who will help meet the need for skilled tradespeople in B.C.