B.C. students learn trades secrets early

Students in schools all across British Columbia are getting a jump on exciting, high-demand careers in everything from the motion picture industry to plumbing – thanks to new programs and new funding for trades training from the provincial government.
As early as Grade 6, they’re finding out about the advantages of learning a trade. And by the time they graduate, some have started their apprenticeships, and are well on their way to a well-paid career with their pick of jobs. [read more]

Spotlight shines on trades training

A Nanaimo woman gets a five-week immersion in the construction trades – and a taste of stardom – on Debbie Travis’s new TV show, "From the Ground Up". Meanwhile, other B.C. post-secondary students sample trade and technical training, and the government prepares for more trades students by building new campuses and providing funding for up-to-date equipment. [read more]

Mobile unit to bring industry training to rural, northern areas

Trades training is about to get a whole lot closer to home for rural and Aboriginal residents of northern British Columbia. The Province has given $1.5 million to the Industry Training Authority to acquire a large, expandable semi-trailer that can be moved between communities, offering new choice for those who are interested in entering the trades, or current apprentices needing to continue their training. The mobile unit will be equipped to offer hands-on skills training in a variety of trades. [read more]

Other news

$15 million put in motion for spinal injuries

It was 20 years ago and halfway through his legendary Man In Motion World Tour when British Columbian hero Rick Hansen bumped his wheelchair up against a barrier – the Great Wall of China. Overcoming this world-scale obstacle strengthened Hansen’s resolve to help find a cure for spinal cord injuries – and the provincial government has just contributed $15 million to help. [read more]