“The reality is that the last significant investment in tech programming was more than a decade ago,” said Mark. “We are moving forward on our plan to create thousands more tech seats around the province. Funding additional student spaces in a new tech program at North Island College is an investment in an innovative, sustainable, 21st-century economy that works for people.”
The Province is providing the college with $100,000 to support planning for 40 spaces in a new certificate program. This program will provide people on Vancouver Island with the hands-on skills to work with computer information systems.
“The technology and innovation engine of B.C.’s booming economy requires access to skilled tech talent, and tech companies are hungry for good people,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology. “These new tech spaces at North Island College will help up-and-coming innovators find good jobs, while helping local companies get their products to market.”
“To obtain well-paid jobs, people need access to affordable, relevant education and training,” said Claire Trevena, MLA for North Island. “Funding a new tech program at North Island College will open doors to opportunities in the tech sectors for more students in the region, and across Vancouver Island.”
“Our government is committed to investing in people, so they can get the skills to succeed,” said Ronna-Rae Leonard, MLA for Courtenay-Comox. “Graduates of this program will not only have the chance to find good-paying jobs in a growing sector, they will also help spark innovation locally and across the province.”
The college is consulting with industry and employers in the program’s development stages to ensure students graduate with the basic knowledge and skills to meet the needs of businesses in the region. The certificate is designed to help people start working as IT professionals in less than a year, and could feed into NIC’s existing interactive media and web design programs.
As planning continues, the program's location, tuition and curriculum details will be confirmed.
“North Island College prides itself in offering high-quality, relevant programs that support the local economy,” said NIC president John Bowman. “The provincial funding is greatly appreciated. It will allow us to remain responsive, and keep up with demand for homegrown talent in a dynamic sector that supports many local employers.”
Read the full release in the BC Ministry of Advanced Education Newsroom.
