British Columbia expands LNG training capacity

The government of British Columbia is delivering on its commitment in B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint to increase access and reduce waiting lists for critical trades training seats, by adding 272 seats at the BC Institute of Technology (BCIT).

LNG trades jobs

The seats are aligned with the top twelve LNG trades jobs, and will be available to students as early as September 2014. Positions include welders, industrial electricians, ironworkers, crane operators and heavy-duty equipment mechanics, and will support in-demand jobs needed in other industries.

BCIT will receive CAN$ 1.35 million from the government, with CAN$ 798,000 to fund the additional 272 seats and CAN$ 553,000 in operating funds for minor equipment such as tools, a small steam boiler, welding equipment, threading machines and other training equipment.

Additional seats

The 272 seats represent a 4% increase over the 6739 seats funded at BCIT by the Industry Training Authority. The additional seats include:

• 32 steam/pipefitter apprenticeship seats.
• 32 welder foundation seats.
• 16 crane operator apprenticeship seats.
• 32 electrician foundation seats.
• 32 electrician apprenticeship seats.
• 32 ironworker apprenticeship seats.
• 16 heavy duty equipment mechanic foundation seats.
• 80 heavy duty equipment mechanic apprenticeship seats.

The additional seats will reduce wait times for these programs at BCIT. For example, the wait time for the heavy-duty mechanic apprenticeship program will be reduced by 10 months.

Comments

Advanced Education Minister, Amrik Virk

“We want British Columbians first in line for the one million job openings anticipated to open by 2022. These additional 272 seats at BC Institute of Technology will create greater opportunities for students to move from learners to earners.”

Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training Minister, Shirley Bond

“Our government’s Blueprint committed to delivering a trained workforce that will be ready for jobs in the Liquefied Natural Gas and other industries. A career in the trades provides the opportunity for long-term, well-paying jobs that strengthen our families and communities.”

Burnaby North MLA, Richard T. Lee

“BCIT is the province’s largest trades training institution and the placement of its graduates in our industries has been outstanding. These additional seats and funding to support students means that workers will have the skills needed to continue driving our economy.”

BCIT President, Kathy Kinloch

“The funding for critical trades seats will open up access to trades and skills training programs at BCIT for more students. This is a prime example of how BCIT is turning the government’s Blueprint into action – to ensure our economy has the skilled labour, when and where it needs it.”

BCIT VP, Paul Dangerfield

“BCIT is grateful for this contribution from the Ministry of Advanced Education and Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training. BCIT is one of the largest providers of trades training programs in Western Canada. This funding support will improve our ability to train and supply the skilled tradespeople needed to drive our economy forward.”

Industry Training Authority interim CEO, Gary Herman

“This funding will help ensure we are meeting the training needs for B.C.’s high-demand trades. ITA is committed to working with our partners in education, training and industry to respond quickly to support training needs and create a highly skilled workforce.”

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/29072014/bc-expands-lng-training-capacity-1093/