FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Victoria, BC – Vancouver Island residents looking to enter or continue their education in the construction trades are now able to apply for funding support through the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) Training Fund.
“With the looming labour shortage crisis in construction, everyone within the industry is seeking ways to fill the gaps,” said Rory Kulmala, VICA CEO. “We hope these scholarships will encourage and enable the young people of Vancouver Island, our workforce of the next generation, to pursue a career in the trades.”
The VICA Training Fund is administrated by the Construction Foundation and offers three streams of funding with a total of eight scholarships available to students enrolled in training programs across the island. Ranging from support of Secondary School Apprenticeship students to Industry Superstars, the fund is slated to award $4000 in 2018.
“Contributions provided by the Vancouver Island Construction Association and their members to create funds such as is very impactful,” stated Abigail Fulton, executive director of the Construction Foundation of BC. “Industry support and involvement in the training and development of the next generation of workers is critical as we face increased demand for workers.”
The BC Construction Association’s latest Stat Pack indicates that 1 in 70 young people enter Construction Trades programming within one year of graduation. By increasing funding support for people looking to enter and advance in the industry, the VICA Training Fund hopes to increase entries into trades programming by helping to eliminate financial barriers.
—END—
For more information, please contact:
Construction Foundation of BC
Colleen McConnell
communications@constructionfoundation.ca
250 220 5861
BACKGROUNDER
About the Construction Foundation of BC
The Construction Foundation builds community through engagement in charitable initiatives and a commitment to industry focused education and research initiatives that benefit all British Columbians. Our latest initiative, LearnSafe, was designed to ensure high school students are accessing early training and understanding of construction site safety. www.constructionfoundation.ca
About the Vancouver Island Construction Association
Vancouver Island Construction Association’s primary goal is to support the construction industry and building community. From owners, consultants, engineers and architects to construction contractors, membership opens access to comprehensive services, programs and resources. As one of Canada’s oldest not-for-profit Constructions Associations, VICA has been helping the industry and its members excel since 1912. www.vicabc.ca.
About the VICA Training Fund
Administered by the Construction Foundation of BC, the VICA Training Fund is designed to support individuals on Vancouver Island who are entering into or continuing education in the construction trades. Funds may be used for tuition fees or textbooks. For more information on how to apply to the fund, please visit: www.constructionfoundation.ca/vica-fund/
