The B.C. government has provided the University of the Fraser Valley with $462,000 for 132 critical trade seats to reduce wait times for students entering an in-demand trade profession.
The UFV funding will go to create seats in welding, heavy mechanical trades, Welding Level B, electrical. UFV’s support is part of a $6.1 million initiative to fund 1,429 additional critical trade seats this year public post-secondary institutions throughout B.C.
Foundation training programs provide students with the basic knowledge and skills needed for entry into a particular occupation. Students receive credit for the first level of apprenticeship training in a specific field by the Industry Training Authority (ITA) upon successful completion.
B.C. expects one million job openings by 2022. More than 78% of jobs will require some form of post-secondary education, and 44% of jobs will be in skilled trades and technical occupations. Approximately 12% of the one million projected job openings are for in-demand trade occupations in B.C.