Metro Vancouver, B.C. - Last week, the B.C. government celebrated progress and success on the one-year anniversary of B.C.'s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, the government's plan to help British Columbians find their fit in the province's growing economy.
Over the past year, Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) has worked hard to implement the blueprint in new and existing programming to ensure KPU students get the skills and training they need to build themselves long and lasting careers in the local economy, and beyond.
Most recently, just days before the anniversary, the provincial government announced over $235,000 in funding for KPU to offer an additional 64 critical trades seats in welding foundation, and electrical foundation, level 2 and level 3 programs.
In January, KPU was one of three public post-secondary institutions to receive funding to purchase new trades training equipment to support students entering B.C.'s most in-demand occupations - over $325,000 to support pipefitter, electrical, millwright and construction craft worker students and apprentices. Last year, KPU announced a community-based education and training partnership with the Squamish First Nation that would see 48 Aboriginal learners enter trades programs offered by the university. The pair have also recently joined forces with the Industry Training Authority and North Vancouver's Mountainside Secondary School to provide a head start in hands-on trades training to over 15 high school students.
“When I first heard of this pipefitting course I jumped right in. I’d like to get my journeyman ticket and start a business related to the pipefitting/steam fitting industry, whether servicing pipelines, getting contracts with industry or government…that’s my goal. It takes a team. This Blueprint partnership involving Squamish First Nation, the Industry Training Authority, Kwantlen Polytechnic University and Mountainside Secondary School is making it possible," said Josh Jardine, an ACE IT student in the KPU-Squamish First Nation pipefitting program, who attended the anniversary celebration.
The official news release is available here. More on B.C.'s Skills for Jobs Blueprint is available at workbc.ca/skills. For information on trades and technology at KPU, visit kpu.ca/trades.
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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Photo caption: KPU pipefitting student Josh Jardine with Premier Christy Clark at the B.C. government's celebration to mark the one-year anniversary of the Skills for Jobs Blueprint.
Media contact:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist, KPU
t: 604.599.2883
c: 604.364.1288
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca
For more KPU news:
@KPUmedia
kpu.ca/newsroom
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