The provincial government is directing $3 million to employers that are willing to give young people a start in manufacturing careers.
The B.C. government, at a press conference at Nanaimo’s VMAC Global Technology Inc. on Monday, May 15, announced the funding for the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium to deliver a youth in manufacturing initiative. Beginning this fall, as many as 500 youths aged 16-21 will have the opportunity to take on short-term, paid work placements and receive credits toward high school graduation and apprenticeship certification.
Brenda Bailey, B.C.’s minister of jobs, economic development and innovation, said in the release that manufacturing is a growing sector in British Columbia, and estimated 49,000 new job openings over the next 10 years.
“Now is the time to introduce young people to the sector so they’re ready to fill those jobs,” she said. “Today’s investment in new training opportunities will ensure youths can develop the high-demand skills they’ll need to find rewarding jobs when they are ready to begin their careers.”
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