technology–relevant spaces become available in the public post–
secondary education system.
Spaces will include a range of areas, including cybersecurity, software
engineering, data science, life sciences, creative tech, clean tech and
agritech.
The new student spaces are possible through a provincial three–year
investment of $74.7 million. The spaces and supporting investment are
included in the StrongerBC: Future Ready Action Plan, which is
working to accelerate talent development and skills training to address
workforce challenges across all sectors and throughout B.C.
“We’re facing an enormous challenge – our economy is changing,
workplaces are transforming, and we have more job openings in
growing and in–demand fields than we have the skilled workers ready
to fill them,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Post–Secondary
Education and Future Skills. “People with technological skills and
knowledge are in high demand within nearly every sector – from
agriculture to manufacturing. That’s why we are excited to add 3,000
more tech–relevant spaces for people to learn, grow and thrive in
these in–demand jobs.”
future job openings expected. Post–secondary education and skills
training plays an invaluable role in closing the skills gap, supporting
economic sustainability and growth in the province.
“The biggest challenge we are hearing from businesses is finding the
skilled labour they need,” said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs,
Economic Development and Innovation. “Through this investment,
people will have better access to the technological education and skills
training they need for rewarding careers, ensuring employers are able
to find the world–class talent they need to grow and prosper in B.C.”
Some of the new technology–relevant spaces will be open to enrolment
as soon as September 2023, with others to follow in subsequent
years. Through the creation of these spaces, more students will have
access to a wide range of responsive programming – from certificates
and diplomas to degrees – giving people the flexibility to find a path
that works for them and B.C. employers.
“Having had the opportunity to experience incredible hands–on learning
at TRIUMF, I am excited that even more students will get work
experience at innovative institutions in the tech space,” said Nicolas
Fedrigo, a life sciences mechatronic engineering co–op student at
TRIUMF, Canada’s particle accelerator centre. “The invaluable learning
experiences and supportive environment at TRIUMF have been
instrumental in helping me discover career aspirations that I am truly
passionate about.”
The StrongerBC: Future Ready Action Plan released May 2, 2023, is
a cross–government plan that will help make education and training
by a provincial investment of $480 million over three years.
(news.gov.bc.ca/ Photo credit: flickr.com