The province has proclaimed March 7 as B.C. Colleges Day. It is an opportunity to acknowledge the critical role colleges in British Columbia play in connecting students of all ages to the education and training they need to secure a prosperous future.

The announcement was made today by Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson, with an official presentation of the proclamation to BC Colleges chair Lane Trotter.

B.C. has 11 public colleges and with more than 60 campuses and learning centres throughout the province. They serve an estimated 125,000 students each year. These facilities enable students to study close to home and contribute to their local communities.

Almost one million job openings are expected in B.C. by 2025. Eighty percent of those opportunities will require post-secondary education and training. The province is investing in public colleges to ensure they can continue the important work of connecting British Columbians with the education they need for the in-demand occupations of today and tomorrow.

Since 2012, the Ministry of Advanced Education has invested more than $150 million to support trades facilities, trades equipment and high-demand trades seats at public colleges throughout B.C. This funding is an investment in the future of B.C. colleges and the students they serve.