Media Release: VCC celebrates the accomplishments of Red Seal graduates
VANCOUVER – Vancouver Community College (VCC) is celebrating alumni who have received their Red Seal endorsement (RSE) at its inaugural Red Seal recognition event, held today at the VCC Downtown campus. While most academic accomplishments are celebrated with a graduation ceremony, that isn’t usually the case when it comes to receiving a Red Seal – the interprovincial standard of excellence in the skilled trades.
VCC recognizes that the work that goes into earning a Red Seal should be celebrated.
“BC’s future will require carpenters, chefs, welders, and Red Seal trades professionals, just as much as we will need nurses, doctors, and teachers in order to build, and sustain a strong economy,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. “Trades workers are in high demand in B.C. and we expect more than 70,000 trades job openings in the next decade. 21St Century skills, like the ones achieved through trades training, apprenticeships and Red Seal designations, give students the tools they need to be industry ready, and be part of building the best B.C.”
“The goal of the event is to recognize and honour the hard work and dedication it takes for grads to obtain their Red Seal,” says VCC Associate Director, Alumni Relations Carolyn Hornell. “For many graduates, receiving their Red Seal is incredibly meaningful and VCC is thrilled to celebrate their accomplishments. We anticipate this will become an annual celebration.”
VCC’s first Red Seal recognition event includes all those who have received their Red Seal at VCC in the past five years. Six Red Seal trades are offered at VCC: cooking, baking, hairstyling, auto body and collision, automotive refinishing, automotive service, and heavy duty equipment.
“A Red Seal is the sign of true excellence. By formally recognizing VCC students who have received their Red Seal, we honour the dedication these skilled tradespeople have to their craft and their commitment to the industry,” says VCC President and CEO Dr. Peter Nunoda.
VCC is also well-known for producing winning Skills Canada competitors at the regional, provincial, and national levels. This week, two VCC graduates, a cook and a baker, will be competing at the WorldSkills Kazan 2019 competition in Russia. This is the first time a Canadian school will have competitors in both categories.
The Industry Training Authority (ITA) provides funding to the VCC trades training programs, including Red Seal-recognized trades. This funding has helped lower the financial barriers to give students a more affordable way to start their journey into a career in the trades.
The ITA is honoured to join in the recognition of VCC Red Seal graduates. “The dedication that goes into earning a Red Seal is cause for celebration,” says ITA CEO Shelley Gray. “A career in the trades opens up many pathways – be it as a journeyperson, business owner, or educator. Achieving the Red Seal gives this group the opportunity to not only further their career growth, but also support the success of the next generation of skilled trades professionals.”
About Vancouver Community College
VCC has been inspiring students to reach their career and educational goals for over 50 years, offering post-secondary training in over 120 programs including bachelor's degrees, diplomas, certificates, and apprenticeships. With three campuses, located in East Vancouver, Downtown Vancouver, and on Annacis Island, students can choose from hands-on instruction in culinary arts, business, design, health sciences, hospitality, transportation trades, and music.
About Industry Training Authority
The Industry Training Authority (ITA) leads and coordinates British Columbia’s skilled trades system. The ITA works with apprentices, employers, industry, labour, training providers, and government to fund training, issue credentials, support apprenticeships, set program standards, and increase opportunities in the trades. For more information, visit itabc.ca.
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Media can contact:
Fareedah Rasoul Kim
Vancouver Community College
Marketing and Communications Officer
T: 604.871.7000, ext. 7538
E: frasoulkim@vcc.ca
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Nicole Adams
Director of Communications
Industry Training Authority
T: 604-364-1039
E: nadams@itabc.ca