Starting in September, newcomers to Canada looking to pursue a career in the trades can get special assistance through a new, tuition-free program at Vancouver Island University.
The new bridging program, called Pathways for Newcomers, will support newcomers looking for a career in in trades by ensuring they have the skills and support to successfully transition into the educational programs they need.
According to the B.C. Labour Market Outlook report, there will be more than 72,000 job openings in the provinces construction industry over the next 10 years.
“With Nanaimo growing in both size and diversity, many newcomers are flowing into the region with either a background in trades or skills that would lend themselves well to working in the trades in Canada,” said VIU’s trades pathways coordinator Darrell Harvey in a news release. “What we’re trying to do is bridge that gap to help newcomers find their way into these trades jobs.”
The program, which is tuition-free due to a $1 million provincial grant the university received in June, will allow students to shadow different trades programs at VIU and meet employers to get a sense of what to expect working in the trades.
A background in trades will not be required to join the program; content will weave together career and trade-specific English-language training along with math and other necessary skills. Wraparound support will be available for students who decide to enter a full trades program.
The release noted that VIU is working closely with community partners such as Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society, Cowichan Intercultural Society, local school districts and Work B.C. to ensure newcomers know about this support.
The first cohort of students will start in September and a second will open in January, each being 15 weeks long and 15 hours per week. Applications are now being accepted for the September intake, those who are interested or would like more information can e-mail darrell.harvey@viu.ca.
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bailey.seymour@nanaimobulletin.com
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