BC Access Grant, online seat finder help trades students get ahead
By Contributor
As part of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, students with financial need may now receive up to $16,400 in non-repayable grants for studying in-demand trades at eligible public post-secondary institutions.
The BC Access Grant for Labour Market Priorities has been expanded to provide students with funds for relocation and tools, as well as funds to reduce provincial student loans and supplement StudentAid BC funding to help them cover the full cost of their education.
“We’re delivering on B.C.’s Blueprint to make sure British Columbians have the right training to take advantage of the growing economy,” Advanced Education Minister Amrik Virk.
“The BC Access Grant and online trades seat finder will encourage students to make choices that could set them on the right path for their future.”
To further support students, they can use an online trades seat finder and instantly see where trades training spaces are available.
Currently, there is high demand for some courses, particularly for trades foundation courses, that has caused wait lists at various institutions – particularly in the Lower Mainland – while there are no wait lists for courses elsewhere in the province.
“With the announcement of the BC Access Grant, online seat finder, the government has demonstrated once again its understanding of the importance of creating funding and tools that will increase access for students seeking the high demand trades training vital to the continued growth of B.C.’s economy,” said acting president Dr. Loren Lovegreen, Northern Lights College.
“As a northern training institute we are pleased that the BC Access Grant for Labour Market Priorities has expanded allowing us to further enhance our commitment of training skilled workers to help meet the needs of our industry partners working in the heart of the province’s natural resource sector.”
Along with expansion of the BC Access Grant and the trade seat finder, the Government of B.C. has committed $6.8 million to fund 1,424 new seats at 14 public post-secondary institutions to significantly reduce wait times for trades training.
The Government of B.C. is making it easier, faster and more affordable for students to access training that will lead to jobs in the Liquefied Natural Gas sector and other in-demand industries now and in the future. B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint lays out a comprehensive action plan to re-engineer education and training so
British Columbia students and workers have the skills to be first in line for jobs in a growing economy.
Quick Facts:
- A million job openings are expected in B.C. by 2022.
- About 43% of those job openings will require college education or apprenticeship training.
