Surrey, B.C. - The Industry Training Authority (ITA) and WorkBC launched a new innovative online tool at KPU Tech in Cloverdale today.
The Apprentice Job Match tool is designed to better connect local apprentices and trades students with local employers so that they came complete the on-the-job training they require to achieve certification. The launch also coincided with the provicincial government’s inaugural "Apprenticeship Recognition Day." Held on Nov. 7, the day is intended to help raise awareness of the importance of developing a highly trained and skilled workforce for key sector's in B.C.'s growing economy.
At the event was Minister of Children and Family Development Stephanie Cadieux, MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale; numerous city representatives, industry leaders and many KPU foundation program students - learners who, after completing their technical training at KPU Tech, will seek practical training outside of the university's workshops and facilities.
“Trades represent a prime example of how real-world, on-the-job experience serves KPU students and graduates. As a major regional education provider, KPU delivers hands-on learning experiences for students within industry and beyond our lab and classroom facilities. With this strong combination of skills and experience students can become certified and access significant career opportunities. This job match tool enables our students to apprentice with leading professionals and the latest industry technical developments to get them readied to meet the rapidly growing needs of our region,” said KPU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Alan Davis.
“This tool will completely revolutionize the way we get the next generation of apprentices connected to employers. This includes apprentice welders, plumbers, carpenters electricians and other trades that are needed to meet the targeted in-demand jobs for the province. The ability to directly pair learners with industry allows our students to focus on their craft. The process is now entirely streamlined,” said Brian Haugen, who recently joined KPU as the university's new Dean of the Faculty of Trades and Technology.
The ITA's online Apprentice Job Match tool is located on WorkBC's website, which has over 10,000 job postings. The new tool aims to remove one of the biggest hurdles trades students face during their education: connecting with like employers who can sponsor their practical training.
The province expects there will be one million job openings in British Columbia by 2022, maybe of which will fit with new opportunities in trades and technology, specifically the areas of: liquefied natural gas (LNG), mines and mining expansions, expanded shipbuilding, growing forestry exports, and increased actibity in transportation.
"Helping apprentices find employer sponsors is critical to improving apprenticeship completion rates and ensuring industry has the skilled labour it needs to take advantage of our growing economy," said Shirley Bond, minister of jobs, tourism and skills training, and minister responsible for labour. "Through our Skills for Jobs Blueprint, we committed to improving the way we connect apprentices and employers, and the Apprentice Job Match tool is providing an easy and accessible way to do that."
For photos from the event, visit KPU's Flickr page.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 124 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at www.kpu.ca.
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Caption: KPU Dean of Trades and Technology Brian Haugen speaks to students, government and industry at the ITA Job Match Tool launch at KPU Tech.
Media contact:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist, KPU
t: 604.599.2883
c: 604.364.1288
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca
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kpu.ca/newsroom
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