KPU students get new trades training equipment

The Ministry of Advanced Education is targeting funding and programs to sectors that have a high demand for skilled workers. — Photo courtesy news.gov.bc.ca

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is receiving $265,250 toward the purchase of new training equipment that will provide trades students with hands-on experience.

The new funding was announced by Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson as he visited KPU campus today.

KPU intends to purchase light- and heavy-duty cutting mills and a Programmable Logic Controller Lab that shows students how to program and upload ladder logic code to ensure trades students have the tools they need to succeed. The new equipment gives students the opportunity to have hands-on learning experience with equipment they will find at the workplace.

The Ministry of Advanced Education is targeting funding and programs to sectors that have a high demand for skilled workers. The 2024 Labour Market Outlook report projects that over the next 10 years, there will be a need for 5,400 electricians and 3,400 millwrights in British Columbia.

Ensuring sectors such as construction and manufacturing have the skilled workers they need is part of the government’s work to ensure B.C. has a diverse, strong and growing economy.

With today’s announcement of $265,250, government has provided more than $2 million to KPU since the launch of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint in 2014.

Quotes

Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson –

“There will be almost one million job openings in B.C. over the next 10 years and the Ministry of Advanced Education is working to ensure students are prepared for these opportunities. New trades training equipment allows KPU students to develop hands-on experience so they can succeed and contribute to the prosperity of our province.”

Kwantlen Polytechnic University president and vice-chancellor Dr. Alan Davis –

“The funds we received from the Ministry of Advanced Education have allowed us to purchase key high-tech systems that are technologically advanced. These will not only support apprentices in current and future skills development, but we also expect to be re-training qualified journey people on these emerging technologies. This will keep KPU at the cutting edge of trades training.”

MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale Stephanie Cadieux –

“Kwantlen Polytechnic University is helping to prepare British Columbians for jobs that will support their families and our regional economy. Preparing them today will give them success tomorrow.”

Kwantlen Polytechnic University welding student David Bos –

“I started in the high school pre-apprenticeship program and continued on because I like working in a hands-on environment. Kwantlen was my first choice because students are exposed to the latest, most up-to-date equipment found in industry. The future of this trade is exciting because there are so many different career pathways in welding. Options for us are unlimited.”