B.C. post-secondary focused on students, jobs

VICTORIA – More than 400,000 students will enrol this year in at least one course at British Columbia's 25 public post-secondary
institutions where they will attend one of the many campuses, satellite offices or learning centres.

"With barely a month to go before students head back to class, it's a good time to remind British Columbians about the role that post-secondary education plays in all our lives," said Advanced Education Minister Amrik Virk. "One of the biggest hurdles we face is preparing students to go where the jobs are – or will be in the future. B.C.'s post-secondary institutions are responding by using a nimble and flexible approach – matching their programming with the needs of B.C.'s labour force as it evolves with industry."

Post-secondary education and training are crucial and help ensure B.C.'s citizens are ready to take on life's challenges – both at school and in their careers. Labour market predictions show that more than three-quarters of all jobs in the future will require some post-secondary education and training. Skilled trades and technological services likely will be among the fastest-growing areas in the years ahead.

Focused investments in education over the last 12 years have helped build a world-class post-secondary system in British Columbia – one that is sustainable for the future, and meets learners' and employers' needs and expectations.

Government's role, and that of B.C.'s post-secondary institutions, is integral in ensuring students are prepared to take on the challenge presented by an expected one million job openings, and that B.C. employers have access to a highly educated and motivated workforce.

In 2013-14, government is investing another $1.9 billion for operating grants – a 47 per cent increase since 2001. This is along with more than $460 million in capital investments over the next three years that will be used to maintain, renew and expand post-secondary facilities so that students and staff continue to have access to high-quality learning and teaching facilities.