Harper Government Improves Access to Skills Training in B.C.'s Northwest Region

TERRACE, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - July 27, 2015) - Western Economic Diversification Canada

Today, Bob Zimmer, Member of Parliament for Prince George - Peace River, on behalf of the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced over $1,000,000 in funding for Northwest Community College (NWCC) to expand their Trades Training program.

This investment, provided through the Western Diversification Program, will help Northwest Community College to acquire a mobile trades training unit to provide skills training to rural, remote and Aboriginal communities throughout B.C.'s Northwest region. This funding will break down geographic barriers to education and give students the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art equipment that will help them achieve stable employment in a prominent trades sector.

The mobile training unit is customized to provide a hands-on training environment for a number of trades programs including welding, carpentry, pipefitting and electrical foundation. This flexibility allows Northwest Community College to quickly respond to the high-priority needs of industry and communities, providing students with relevant training to fill in-demand jobs in specific fields.

Quick Facts

• In 2012, Western Economic Diversification Canada supported Northwest Community College's Heavy Duty Equipment Operator program with funding to help purchase 10 virtual training simulators, along with a heavy duty truck and 32 foot trailer.
• B.C.'s Northwest region is predicted to gain 6,000 to 13,000 jobs in skilled trades between 2010 and 2020, as there is over $60 billion in major projects and investments planned in the area over the next ten years.
• Aboriginal students make up roughly 40% of Northwest Community College's student body.

Quotes

"As a Red Seal Carpenter myself, I am proud of our Government's commitment to increasing access to training in skilled trades for all students, including those in remote areas. By investing in this mobile trades training unit, we are ensuring students attain the experience needed to secure jobs in the high-demand trades sector."
- Bob Zimmer, Member of Parliament for Prince George - Peace River

"This is a fantastic opportunity first and foremost for our students. Irrespective of where our students live we can come to them and they can train in a real shop and use the same tools they would find in the field."

Justin Kohlman, VP Education, Student Development & International, NWCC

Additional Links

Students in British Columbia's Kootenay Region to Benefit from Harper Government's Investment in Training Program

Service Canada - Apprenticeship Grants

Northwest Community College

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