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Ottawa provides $9.3M in funding to BCIT aviation program

British Columbia Institute of Technology is receiving more than $14.5 million in funding to support aerospace and life sciences training through the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), which is overseen by Harjit Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister for the Government of Canada.

To address the aviation industry’s need for skilled workers, British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) is receiving more than $9.3 million in funding, specifically from the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative, to launch a new hands-on training program for gas turbine maintenance, repair and overhaul. This investment is expected to create 160 new jobs, according to the government, and generate an additional $360 million in revenue in British Columbia by 2027.

“The Enhanced Aircraft Gas Turbine Technician program is a great example of how BCIT’s agile approach to workforce development, combined with input from industry leaders, can provide a springboard to new approaches for post-secondary education and provide Canadians with access to meaningful and rewarding careers,” said Paul McCullough, Interim President, BCIT. “This fully funded program will enable students to access tuition-free education and learn both at the BCIT Aerospace campus and MTU Maintenance Canada facility. Learning directly from leaders in the field, and applying skills using the latest technology, student will be prepared to embark on a rewarding career in the aerospace sector.”

BCIT also received more than $5.2 million in funding to create a National Biomanufacturing Training Centre. The Province of BC is also contributing $2 million. This facility will provide training, professional development and talent for biotech companies in BC and across Western Canada. This investment is expected to see more than 700 people trained every year once the centre is operational and produce highly trained personnel for in-demand jobs.

“The first step in building long-term prosperity is tackling short-term labour shortages,” said Sajjan. “The projects being announced today will deliver the trained, talented employees our biomanufacturing and aerospace sectors need to innovate and grow.”

The Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative is designed to help the Canadian aerospace sector emerge from the pandemic ready to compete on the global stage. With a total budget of $250 million over three years (until March 31, 2024), this initiative is being delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies, including PacifiCan.