Twelve students have received free tuition at Kwantlen Polytechnic University to start training for careers as electricians thanks to funding supported by the Province of British Columbia.
The Community Workforce Development Grant of $105,183 from the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training offers tuition-free education in the Electrical Foundation program in the Faculty of Trades and Technology at KPU Tech.
“Students at KPU will be able to build a bright future for their families by accessing new short-term skills training projects, such as the Electrical Foundation program at KPU, that will help people upskill quickly.” said Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training. “Getting people trained up for the trades is important because it empowers people to get the skills they need for rewarding high-demand jobs like those in the construction trades.”
The grant provides education and skills development for under-employed or precariously employed students.
“We’re thankful to the Province for this grant as it will give students the opportunity to receive the education they need for a bright future,” said Brian Moukperian, dean of the Faculty of Trades and Technology. “For a participant who has been hard-hit by Covid-19 or a participant who wants to kick-start a new trades career, it’s great that tuition will be waived thanks to the Province of British Columbia.”
The students began the 24-week program, which started on March 1, 2021, with classes online and in-person. The program provides students electrical theory, electrical safety, construction safety, electrical code, the use of hand and power tools and hands-on training.
“The Electrical Foundation is perfect for someone who has investigated the electrical trade, knows the rewards and challenges of working in construction, and wants to complete four years of apprenticeship after 24 weeks of education,” added Moukperian.
Once the students have completed the Electrical Foundation program, they will be a step closer to entering the workforce as an electrical helper or electrician apprentice.