The province has committed $160,000 to Coast Mountain College (CMTN) for trades and technology equipment, intended to better prepare students for the modern workplace.
The funding announcement for this 2018-19 fiscal year is in addition to the $310,000 announced in March for 2017-18.
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“Investing in new equipment gives students the training they need to meet employer demand for skilled tradespeople and helps build the best B.C, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training Melanie Mark said.”
The funding will be used to buy new and replace aging trades and technology equipment. Examples of trades training equipment purchased by various post-secondary institutions last year include a used hybrid car for automotive programs at CMTN, various types of saws for construction trades programs and equipment for culinary programs. Technology equipment purchased last year included iPads, 3D printers and new servers, as well as wind and solar energy training equipment.
“Adding more modern equipment to our new trades training facility in Terrace helps us connect our students with the skills they’ll need when they enter the workforce,” said Ken Burt, president of Coast Mountain College. “This is especially important in our trades programs, which are helping train the skilled professionals our local businesses need, such as welders, carpenters and professional cooks.”
The $160,000 for CMTN is part of an investment of $3 million in 2018-19 at 19 public post-secondary institutions in new trades and tech training equipment. The funding is allocated for this fiscal year, with the new equipment expected to be in place by April 2019.