Shop classes in northern B.C. schools can expect an influx of money to the tune of $250,000 as part of the ongoing Project Shop Class program.
The new cash comes from Northern Development Initiative Trust and will support the project's goal of replacing aging equipment in high school shop classes around British Columbia.
The trust's chair, Evan Saugstad, said in a release the program is especially important for the region.
"Northern B.C.'s shortage of skilled trades' workers is a potential barrier to investment in the region, and the Project Shop Class program will help address that challenge, strengthening local construction businesses and the regional economy."
Rosalind Thorn is president of BC Construction Association - North, which will receive the money.
"This is just the type of commitment our region needs to help promote economic development in our communities and encourage our youth to consider a career in the trades," Thorn said.
Construction Foundation of BC heads the province-wide project.
Foundation board member Sue Zacharias cited numbers from Buildforce Canada that projects more than 30,000 skilled trades' jobs in the next decade will have to be filled by people who don't call B.C. their home.
"Many of the jobs will be in the north where major projects are underway," Zacharias said in the release.
More information on Project Shop Class can be found at constructionfoundationbc.ca.
