Okanagan College Media Release

The Federal Government’s budget and economic stimulus package is welcome news for Okanagan College, which is hoping it can capitalize on the opportunity to expand and renovate its facilities and provide more training and education in the region.

“We have been making the case with our MLAs, and to the government through our national and provincial associations, that investment in colleges is key to stimulating the economy,” said Okanagan College President Jim Hamilton. “Clearly the message resonated with those in Ottawa.”

The proposed Federal budget, released Tuesday, would earmark $2 billion over the next two years for post-secondary infrastructure. The money will be tied to matching funds from other sources and the government has indicated that projects for colleges should “strengthen their ability to deliver advanced knowledge and skills training.”

“We’re in a position to seize this opportunity,” said Hamilton. “For example, we have identified expansion and refit of our trades training facilities as a key priority. Okanagan College has experienced tremendous growth since 2005, almost tripling the number of apprentices we train and growing to become B.C.’s second-largest trades training institution.

“We have had to lease space throughout the valley to accommodate our growing programs, and have been hampered in our ability to meet employer and student demand by space limitations in Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton.”

Okanagan College will be connecting quickly with Industry Canada and the Provincial Government to discuss how to take advantage of the federal program, said Hamilton.

Hamilton sees the College also playing a key role in some of the other important and welcome news in the budget, including:
•    An additional $1 billion over two years has been allocated to training delivered through the Employment Insurance program.
•    $500 million over two years in a Strategic Training and Transition Fund to help those who do not qualify for EI training (i.e. the self-employed or those who have been out of work for a extended period.)
•    A new $40 million Apprenticeship Completion Grant program that will give apprentices who complete their certification in any of the Red Seal skilled trades a taxable grant of $2,000.
•    $50 million over two years for a national foreign credential recognition framework in partnership with provinces and territories.
•    $75 million for a two-year Aboriginal Skills and Training Strategic Investment Fund.
•    An additional $87.5 million over three years to temporarily expand the Canada Graduate Scholarships program.

“Okanagan College will play a significant role in assisting our communities as we collectively respond to the economic challenges of recent months with a skilled and trained workforce that can take advantage of the opportunities that will come with a rebounding economy,” said Hamilton