National

Coding On Deck For Grade-School Students As B.C. Unveils New Curriculum

The Canadian Press, 18 Jan, 2016 12:49 PM

VANCOUVER — Computer-coding basics will be included in British Columbia's grade-school curriculum come September, as the government emphasizes tech skills in its plan to fill the jobs of the future.

The new program announced today by Premier Christy Clark at the inaugural technology summit in Vancouver will be available for Grades 6 to 9 and will take three years to roll out.

Clark told thousands gathered for the conference she's heard the community's frustration over a shortage of workers with digital skills.

2/3 In addition to the recent $100M #BCTech Fund, we're providing students more opportunities to learn skills for in-demand careers in tech.
— Christy Clark (@christyclarkbc) January 18, 2016

Clark says the government's strategy includes helping technology companies use the B.C. Provincial Nominee Program to recruit workers from outside Canada who already have the necessary know-how.

B.C. will also partner with the federal government to offer $4.5 million in grants over the next five years for tech sector employees to upgrade their training.

The province's 2024 Labour Market Outlook projects about 70,000 new technology and science jobs over then next 10 years.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Ontario First Nations Chiefs Raise Funds To Pay For Inquiry Into Missing Women

First Nations Chiefs in Ontario are launching an online fundraising campaign to pay for their own public inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women.

Ontario First Nations Chiefs Raise Funds To Pay For Inquiry Into Missing Women

Family, Friends Gather To Remember University Student Police Say Was Murdered

William Sandeson, a 22-year-old varsity track athlete who was about to start classes at Dalhousie's medical school, was charged with first-degree murder on Aug. 20, four days after Samson was reported missing.

Family, Friends Gather To Remember University Student Police Say Was Murdered

Provincial Calls For More Syrian Refugees Misses Money Question: Expert

University of Toronto sociology professor Monica Boyd said such requests amount to asking the federal government to pay the tab — about $35,000 per refugee family in the first year.

Provincial Calls For More Syrian Refugees Misses Money Question: Expert

Bank Of Canada Keeps Key Rate On Hold At 0.5 Per Cent As Resource Sector Adjusts

OTTAWA — The Bank of Canada kept its key interest rate on hold at 0.5 per cent on Wednesday and said the country's resource sector continues to adjust to lower prices for oil and other commodities.

Bank Of Canada Keeps Key Rate On Hold At 0.5 Per Cent As Resource Sector Adjusts

Syrian Refugee Queries Draws Catcalls From Conservative Supporters

A Conservative supporter at a Stephen Harper campaign event heckled a reporter Wednesday who was asking about the government's handling of the Syrian refugee crisis.

Syrian Refugee Queries Draws Catcalls From Conservative Supporters

Jury Selection In Dennis Oland's Second-degree Murder Trial Enters Day 2

Jury selection continued Wednesday for the trial of Dennis Oland, who has pleaded not guilty to a charge of second-degree murder in the death of his father, high-profile businessman Richard Oland.