Preparing A Highly Skilled Workforce to Help BC's Employers

The significant labour force shortage over the coming decade will dramatically impact many of BC’s employers, both large and small. The largest demand -- 42 per cent of all openings (see chart at right) -- will be for technical and paraprofessional occupations – positions that require college or trade certification. Plus, colleges provide access to university (35 per cent) of jobs will require this level of education) for many students through extensive university transfer programs. Government needs to create, implement and fund an action plan now to ensure that business and industry will have the well-educated and highly skilled workforce needed, and to ensure that the province will have the vibrant economy British Columbians expect in the years to come. In order to meet the demand for skilled workers, it is essential that we increase participation and completion rates, especially for immigrants and Aboriginal learners. Read about some of the ways our colleges are preparing a highly skilled workforce:  Secondary School Student gets Head Start with ACE IT program at Northwest Community College  Adult Education Program at College of New Caledonia Give Student a Fresh Start  North Island College Opens $8.2 Million Training Centre  Aboriginal Student Skills Up for New Career at Northwest Community College  Douglas College Students Study Abroad to Develop New Skills  Changing Lives, Honouring Dreams at North Island College  Mountain Adventure Skills Training Program at College of the Rockies Trains Students Close to Home