If you're looking for a good place to attend vocational, technical, or trade school, British Columbia, Canada boasts prize-winning students. As of May 2009, British Columbia sent 45 students to the Skills Canada Competition. Students competed in carpentry, automotive services, and 3D character animation, as well as various other skills offered by British Columbia technical schools. According to Adam Thorvaldson, Executive Director of Skills Canada BC (a non-profit organization that promotes professional, technical, and trade skills), "These students understand the value of training for trades and other skilled occupations and are already making their mark in their chosen industries."
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Rocky Mountains to the east, According to Statistics Canada, British Columbia is home to 4.6 million people, most concentrated in Vancouver and Victoria. With its stable economy, British Columbia boasts average wages in the top one third for all provinces. Of course, before you enroll in any of British Columbia's many vocational, technical, or trade school diploma, certificate, or degree programs, take a look at the career opportunities in the area.
If you're interested in a health care career, the BC government has invested heavily in clinical facilities and teaching hospitals. According to The Centre for Drug Research and Development, British Columbia will invest $39 million in life sciences. The B.C. government is committed to investing in health research. Since 2001, the provincial government has demonstrated this commitment with an investment of more than $850 million in various organizations such as the Vancouver Prostate Centre, six Leading Edge Endowment Fund chairs, the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research, Genome BC, and the Centre for Drug Research and Development. In Vancouver, $225,000 CAD has been allocated to Lion's Gate Hospital to renovate and provide undergraduate and graduate students greater access to education on the front lines of Canada's medical system. The project is part of a $27 million CAD capital program to upgrade and expand academic space in teaching hospitals across British Columbia. In addition, a new job-creation program in BC has been implemented to keep Canadians working. A $60 million CAD commitment is expected to help the Job Opportunities Program create immediate employment. According to Bill Bennett, British Columbia's Minister of Community and Rural Development, this funding creates jobs while updating state infrastructure, improving the environment, and providing workers with new skills. Read on to learn about courses and degree programs offered by British Columbia vocational, technical, and trade schools.
