UNBC, CNC to benefit from new provincial co

B.C. is investing $4.5 million over three years to expand on-the-job learning opportunities at 13 post-secondary institutions primarily in rural communities outside the Lower Mainland

The province has announced that 13 post-secondary institutions, including the University of Northern B.C. and the College of New Caledonia, will receive new funding for expanding on-the-job learning.

In a Tuesday morning press release, the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills announced that it would be investing $4.5 million over three years to enhance work-integrated learning opportunities in rural communities largely outside the Lower Mainland.

According to the ministry, the new funding is designed to prepare workers for in-demand jobs through co-ops, internships, practicums, and community service-learning opportunities, among others.

"Work-integrated learning helps future workers access the hands-on experience they need to launch their careers," said Selina Robinson, minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. "These placements give people valuable opportunities to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world settings and benefit employers by having workers who they train and can become potential new employees."

The new investment is part of the StrongerBC: Future Ready Action Plan, which according to the ministry, will "give thousands of people the skills and opportunities they need to thrive and employers an improved ability to find the talent they need."

Smaller institutions have a harder time funding these opportunities due to budgetary constraints, the province says, and the new funding will provide more economic opportunities for students in B.C.

"On-the-job training is invaluable for today's students," said Andrew Mercier, Minister of State for Workforce Development. "Work-integrated learning equips people with the practical skills, knowledge and adaptability needed to thrive in today's dynamic workforce."

Nine of the 13 smallest post-secondary institutions selected are outside the Lower Mainland and several serve rural and remote areas with high numbers of Indigenous students.

The schools receiving the new funding include UNBC, CNC, Capilano University, Coast Mountain College, College of the Rockies, Emily Carr University of Art + Design, Justice Institute of British Columbia, Nicola Valley Institute of Technology, North Island College, Northern Lights College, Royal Roads University, Selkirk College, and Vancouver Community College.

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