The B.C. government will invest nearly $30 million to upgrade facilities at Camosun College for the training of shipbuilders, heavy-duty mechanics and other skilled workers. It will invest another $28 million to renovate facilities at the Kelowna campus of Okanagan College.
The investment at Camosun is part of B.C.'s new skills and training plan and is aimed at expanding the college's capacity to graduate an additional 370 students to address increasing skilled labour needs, which is being driven by an industrial boom in northeastern B.C. and billions of dollars of shipbuilding work under a federal shipbuilding plan.
At the Kelowna campus, the renovation will allow for an expansion of programs that train welders, heavy-duty mechanics, electricians, plumbers and other skilled workers. The new Kelowna trades complex will allow for an additional 128 students.
"Having the right mix of skilled workers, in the right regions, at the right time, is crucial for the future of our communities and economy," said John Yap, minister of advanced education, innovation and technology.
Camosun College will provide an additional $800,000 to fund its upgrade, the construction on which is to begin immediately. The new facilities are slated for completion in the spring 2016.
The money will be used to renovate and expand Camosun's Interurban Campus. A new 45,000-square-foot building will be added to accommodate the marine and metal trades, while a new 35,000-square-foot building will be added for the mechanical trades, including heavy-duty and automotive.
