B.C. government funds tech seats for niche programs in Metro Vancouver schools

by Kate Wilson on May 4th, 2018 at 3:45 PM

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Ever wanted to specialize in technology? Now’s your chance.

Following a spate of investment into tech programs at local post-secondary establishments, more seats have been added for specific courses, the B.C. government announced today. The move aims to allow students throughout the province access to more opportunities to pursue high-paying, stable jobs in its blossoming tech industry.

“There hasn't been any significant investment in tech programming for more than a decade,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills, and Training. “As part of our new tech-expansion plan, we're adding hundreds of tech seats in niche programs.”

The government has assigned an initial $900,000 to begin planning the new developments, and has set a target of establishing 370 new seats across B.C. this year. Nine post-secondary institutions have been selected, with five of them located in Metro Vancouver.

Offering a place on courses that are relatively short in length, the scheme will put individuals through specialized training to match the growing talent shortages in the industry. Over 83,400 tech-related jobs openings are expected by 2027, including positions like computer programmers, engineers, information system analysts, digital designers, and software designers. The plan is expected to start in the school year of 2019-20.

"Every single one of these seats is good news for B.C.’s tech sector, as they each represent future employees who can accelerate the growth of our tech sector," said Jill Tipping, president and CEO of the BC Tech Association. "By proactively planning for a tech-centric future with these new learning spaces, we enable people to develop diverse skills and not only graduate, but thrive in progressive jobs all around British Columbia.”

The funding will be appointed as follows:

Capilano University: $100,000 to plan for 50 additional spaces in 3D animation, 2D animation and visual effects diploma programs. The program expansion will be supported with annual funding of $500,000, once fully up and running in 2020-21.
Douglas College: $100,000 to plan for 40 additional spaces in new interactive media technologies diplomas. The program expansion wil be supported by annual funding of $400,000, once fully up and running in 2020-21.
Emily Carr University of Art and Design: $100,000 to plan for 40 additional spaces in a new master of design in interaction design degree. The program expansion will be supported with annual funding of $400,000, once fully up and running in 2020-21.
Langara College: $100,000 to plan for 40 additional spaces in data analytics certificate and web technologies citation programs. The program expansion will be supported with annual funding of $400,000, once fully up and running in 2020-21.
North Island College: $100,000 to plan for 40 additional spaces in a new computer information systems certificate program. The program expansion will be supported with annual funding of $400,000, once fully up and running in 2020-21.
Selkirk College: $100,000 to plan for 40 additional student spaces in web application development certificate and digital fabrication and design diploma programs. The program expansion will be supported with annual funding of $400,000, once fully up and running in 2020-21.
University of the Fraser Valley: $100,000 to plan for 40 additional spaces in various tech-related credential programs, including an applied bioinformatics certificate, coding certificate, digital fabrication diploma, graphic and digital design minor, and bachelor degree of media arts. The program expansion will be supported with annual funding of $400,000, once fully up and running in 2020-21.
Vancouver Community College: $100,000 to plan for 40 additional spaces in computer systems technology diploma. The program expansion will be supported with annual funding of $400,000, once fully up and running in 2020-21.
Vancouver Island University: $100,000 to plan for 40 additional spaces in fundamentals of engineering certificate and engineering design and practice diploma programs. The program expansion will be supported with annual funding of $400,000, once fully up and running in 2020-21.