The B.C. government has announced funding for trades equipment for the School District 69 (Qualicum).
More than $118,000 is earmarked for School District 69 — its share of a three-year, $15-million investment for youth trades programs in the province.
According to the province’s news release, $118,232 will go towards the purchase of equipment like band saws, plasma cutters and welders at local schools.
Of the total $15-million investment, half will be spent during this school year, with $4 million available during the 2017-2018 school year, and $3.5 million for 2018-2019.
Of the $7.5 million being spent this year, more than $5 million will go to rural school districts, while more than $9 million of the $15 million total is for rural districts, said the news release.
“This is exciting news for our students as we continue to set them up for success with new trades training equipment to support school districts as they prepare students for their journey toward great careers,” said Michelle Stilwell, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum. “With more skilled tradespeople retiring from the workforce than entering it, it is essential that we start preparing our youth now for careers in the skilled trades.”