KELOWNA – Okanagan College in Kelowna is receiving more than $170,000 in provincial funding to buy new trades training equipment to support students entering occupations in high demand and critical to the economy.
“With an estimated one million job openings by 2022, there is unprecedented opportunity ahead. This investment in trades training tools at Okanagan
College means students will get experience with the latest equipment, and be ready sooner for good-paying careers,” says Premier Christy Clark.
Some of the new equipment that will be purchased includes a scissor lift, pavement breaker, two electric jack hammers and electric masonry table saws for construction craft students as well as an engine lift for heavy mechanic students.
The Government made the funding decision based on consultations with educational institutions and the Industry Training Authority, as well as the
most-recent labour-market data.
“Okanagan College has a history of providing our community with the programs it needs to grow,” says Okanagan College President Jim Hamilton. “This funding for trades training tools means Okanagan College can continue to connect students with training that answers their aspirations and meets industry needs.”
The funding follows the announcement in July 2014 of 203 additional critical trades training seats and the $33-million trades training complex at Okanagan College.
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