BC Invests $210,000 in Trades Training for Power Line Technicians

September 25, 2016

The BC government has announced plans to invest $210,000 for skills training in high-priority trades seats at BC Hydro.

The investment, made through the Industry Training Authority (ITA), will create 224 more seats in the power line technician program available through to March 31, 2017. The funding is part of the ITA’s allocation to BC post-secondary institutions and training providers to run various training programs throughout the province.

BC Hydro’s Trades Training Centre in Surrey opened in April 2013. The centre is a certified education institution that provides technical and trades training for both BC Hydro and non-BC Hydro trainees. It includes classrooms, lab spaces, workshops, a mock substation and training yards with overhead and underground lines.

BC Hydro uses a 3-D applications tool to allow power line technician apprentices to build, test, troubleshoot and simulate work on equipment, including voltage regulators and transformers. Apprentices can build transformer banks on a “virtual” distribution line, communicate to an instructor for feedback, and practice complex work procedures using the 3-D simulation in the classroom prior to applying their skills in the training yards.

The British Columbia government has been working in partnership with the ITA to begin building a demand-driven trades training system with funding aligned to specific in-demand trades. The ITA leads and coordinates British Columbia’s skilled trades system by working with employers, employees, industry, labour, training providers and government to issue credentials, manage apprenticeships, set program standards and increase opportunities in the trades.

“There is growing interest in trade careers across the province and the investment announced today will ensure British Columbians have the opportunity to access training in high-priority trades so that they are equipped with the right skills to respond to the job opportunities to come,” says Gary Herman, CEO, Industry Training Authority.

B.C. is expecting up to one million job openings by 2025 due to retirements and economic growth. Eight of every 10 of these job openings will require post-secondary education or trades training.

Photo courtesy of BC Hydro.