Trades students in Delta will benefit from new equipment thanks to a $15 million investment from the provincial government.
The Delta School District will receive $387,319 over the next three years to purchase equipment, including laser cutters, CNC routers and hydraulic presses.
The Youth Trades Capital Equipment Program will see $7.5 million dispersed during the current school year. The remaining $7.5 million will be distributed in 2017-18 ($4 million) and 2018-19 ($3.5 million).
Delta is among 59 school districts receiving funding over the next three years.
The program is designed to increase participation in youth trades programs and the number of students that continue on to further trades training programs.
To be eligible for funding, school districts must have demonstrated the capital investment supports the delivery of one or more Industry Training Authority (ITA) youth trades programs.
The ITA funds six youth programs in the province, including the Youth Work in Trades program, which is highly successful in Delta.
Last November, Delta received $40,000 in funding from the province for that program.
"Funding to the Youth Work in Trades program makes it possible for us to elevate our resources and create more learning opportunities for our students," said Brian Tivy, Delta School District's coordinator career transitions and ADST.
"We are very proud of our trades and apprenticeship programs, which engage students in a wide variety of skills and offer unique opportunities for learning, career preparation and personal growth," Tivy said.
