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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.

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