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VIU trades receive funding

Powell River campus to receive equipment for welding, automotive and carpentry programs
Michelle Stilwell
TRAINING FUNDS: Parksville-Qualicum MLA Michelle Stilwell, standing in for the minister of advanced education, announced $187,071 for trades-program equipment at Vancouver Island University, money that will bring tangible benefits to Powell River’s campus. Contributed photo

A recent funding announcement for Vancouver Island University (VIU) will bring new equipment for trades training in Powell River.

During a visit to VIU’s Nanaimo campus on Wednesday, July 20, Parksville-Qualicum MLA Michelle Stilwell announced the university will receive $187,071 this year, the final of three years of capital equipment funds, for the purchase of industry-standard trades-related equipment.

“These investments mean that students will get additional opportunities to study toward rewarding trades careers in their communities,” stated Stilwell in a media release.

After the announcement, Glynis Steen, VIU dean of trades and applied technology, said the ability for the university to purchase new equipment will have a positive impact on students and industry.

Steen said students will graduate with experience using the actual equipment used in their chosen careers.

“This is really an opportunity for students to learn and also for industry,” she said. “Students will have some really good skills and it’s success all the way around.”

While the money will be shared among VIU’s regional campuses, Powell River will receive new automotive, carpentry and welding equipment, including a 3D wheel-alignment tool and a table saw. Students will also have access to welding simulators, allowing them to practice welding without burning gas or using metal.

VIU Powell River campus administrator Greg Cran said the tools will go a long way in helping students develop skills that industry expects them to bring to their chosen careers.

“Having new tools introduced to the programs will be a big plus,” said Cran. “It’s always been a challenge for post-secondary to try to keep up to the workplace.”

In 2014, the provincial government announced it would be putting $185 million toward trades-related training at post-secondary institutions across the province.

According to BC Ministry of Advanced Education, VIU has received a total of $1.5 million since the launch of BC’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint and $1.9 million toward 372 additional trades-training seats.