Opportunity: Region Specific Skills Training for High Demand Occupations

• The West Kootenay-Boundary region of British Columbia is rich with natural resources and home to an array of primary industry employers.


• Over the last year, building on the success of the Kootenay Regional Workforce Table, Selkirk College has been forging partnerships to enable students to be ready for the many anticipated opportunities in the region’s hydroelectric and resource sectors after graduation.

Project: Partnership for Prosperity

In May 2013 Selkirk hosted the Partnership for Prosperity industry summit with key employers and stakeholders in the region including Fortis BC, BC Hydro, Columbia Power Corporation, Teck Metals and Zellstoff Celgar.

The purpose of the summit was how to partner on a proposal to government and other funders for a significant investment in infrastructure, programming and applied research to build the capacity required to produce the skilled workforce required in the region.

Selkirk has recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). This MOU will help build even stronger programs in advanced technology and provide more opportunities for students at both institutions.

The agreement will provide local education and training opportunities for high demand occupations. The applied research initiatives in the MOU will support local business and industry, providing valuable real world experiences for students in a number of programs.

Labour Force Training At Selkirk College

The following programs offered at Selkirk College are designed to prepare students for careers in the West Kootenay-Boundary region: Foundation and Apprentice training in Electrical, Millwright/Machinist, Welding, Carpentry, Plant Operator, Commercial Transport Mechanical; Diploma and Degree programs in Geomatics, Environmental Technology, Business Administration; University Transfer program in Engineering Bridging.

Partnership program proposals are being designed with BCIT – through the recently signed MOU – to offer a local intake of Power Engineering 4 and Instrumentation Engineering Technology.

About Selkirk College

Region served: Kootenay
Main industries: Forestry, Mining, Power Generation and Tourism
Locations: Castlegar, Grand Forks, Kaslo, Nakusp, Nelson and Trail
Campuses/learning centres: 8
Trades facilities: Nelson, Silver King Campus
Centres for excellence: Regional Innovation Chair in Rural Economic Development (RIC), Selkirk College Geospatial Research Centre (SGRC), Rural Development Institute (RDI) and MIR Centre for Peace.
Students served annually: 11,000+
Programs offered: Over 60 certificate, diploma and degree programs. 

For almost 50 years Selkirk College has been providing innovative and unique learning opportunities. Through our 60+ nationally recognized programs and eight campuses and learning centres, Selkirk ensures our graduates are career (and life) ready. Over 230 international students, from over 20 countries, study in over 20 program areas and over 260 aboriginal learners study in over 35 program areas. Selkirk College delivers exemplary teaching and outstanding learning experiences.

Selkirk College Media Contact:
Bob Hall, Community Liaison/Alumni Coordinator
Cell: 250-505-1324
Email: bhall@selkirk.ca

Media Contact BC Colleges:
Cindy Ball – 604-828-8050
Alix Cameron – 604-839-2770