Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) has received additional funding for trades training at its Cloverdale campus.
On Friday, the Ministry of Advanced Education announced $339,000 in funding to provide 176 additional trades training seats in a variety of in-demand programs offered at the school.
“Electrical, millwright and welding are all in-demand trades that companies are looking for throughout the Lower Mainland and British Columbia,” said Surrey-Cloverdale MLA Stephanie Cadieux on behalf of Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson.
“The additional seats created through this funding will help companies find the skilled workers they need and provide young people with the type of job and career they are looking for.”
The B.C. Skills for Jobs Blueprint was launched two years ago to help B.C. residents get the skills they need to fill the almost one million trades job openings projected by 2024.
“If I wasn’t able to take this course, I would not be able to move forward with my career,” said Adam Wittmeier, a third-year KPU millwright apprentice student. “I am grateful that this additional funding has been provided to KPU so I can continue my apprenticeship.”
More than $2 million has been invested at KPU for trades training and equipment since 2014.
