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

Punjabi Man, Jaskaran Sidhu, Arrested For Allegedly Biting Air Canada Flight Attendant

47-year-old Jaskaran Sidhu who lives in Alberta, has been charged with assault and causing bodily harm. The flight returned to Toronto's Pearson International Airport after the incident.

Punjabi Man, Jaskaran Sidhu, Arrested For Allegedly Biting Air Canada Flight Attendant

Homes Shake, Residents Unnerved, But No Damage As Moderate Earthquake Strikes British Columbia

t struck at 11:39 p.m. local time Tuesday, about 20 kilometres north of Victoria, and was felt across much of southern B.C.

Homes Shake, Residents Unnerved, But No Damage As Moderate Earthquake Strikes British Columbia

Terrace, B.C., Police Arrest Man After Three Calls Within Minutes

A 22-year-old man is under arrest in Terrace, B.C., after his actions prompted three emergency calls within minutes on Monday night.

Terrace, B.C., Police Arrest Man After Three Calls Within Minutes

Think Groceries Have Become Expensive? Expect More Sticker Shock In 2016

Since 81 per cent of all vegetables and fruit consumed in Canada are imported, they are highly vulnerable to currency fluctuations. They are pegged to increase in price by four to 4.5 per cent in the new year.

Think Groceries Have Become Expensive? Expect More Sticker Shock In 2016

E-Comm Releases 2015's Top 10 List Of Reasons Not To Telephone 911

E-Comm, which handles emergency calls for 24 B.C. cities, towns and districts while dispatching 33 police and fire departments, has released the 10 most outrageous calls received by staff this year.

E-Comm Releases 2015's Top 10 List Of Reasons Not To Telephone 911

Ottawa Bee Keepers Ask For Help After Holiday Hive Heist

Two sizable hives holding some 30,000 bees have been stolen from a field in the Ottawa area, and the couple that cares for them is asking for the public's help in finding whoever is responsible.