BC Education Minister gives out over $640K for college training

College of the Rockies and Selkirk College to receive funding for trades training equipment.

On Friday, February 6, Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson visited College of the Rockies’ main campus in Cranbrook. During his visit he announced $325,274 in funding for trades training equipment that supports students entering in-demand occupations that are critical to the economy.

COTR is slated to receive $325,274 for air dryers and heat exchangers in the industrial mechanic and millwright programs, a wheel alignment machine for heavy mechanical trades and an acetylene cutter for welding students.

Selkirk College, in the West Kootenay also received $315,428 in funding that will go towards upgraded equipment like an industry-standard drill press for millwright trainees, a lab-volt renewable energy system and A/C trainer for heavy mechanic trades.

"New equipment provides College of the Rockies with the opportunity to help students get the necessary experience and skills to get started on their careers in high-demand fields," explained David Walls, COTR president and CEO.

"Sectors critical to our economic growth--such as oil and gas, mining and forestry--need workers to graduate job ready," added Kootenay-East MLA Bill Bennett. "New trades training equipment at Selkirk College and the College of the Rockies gives students hands-on experience with tools currently used by these industries."