Government cash will buy new equipment for Okanagan College

Okanagan College will get a $867,000 boost from the province towards new skills training equipment.

The money comes after a review of existing inventory, current and future program and industry requirements and current government priorities to fill skills deficits according to the needs of each region.

Colleges receiving the grant are also expected to reach out to local industries and other stakeholders to purchase or donate equipment, so students will have hands-on training with the latest used in the workplace.

Okanagan College will purchase an air brake trainer for the heavy-duty equipment technician program, and metal shear for the welding program, carpentry machinery and shop pieces for the automotive service technician garage.

The money is part of a $17 million province-wide skills and training plan investment to support public post-secondary institutions.