The District of Vanderhoof, on behalf of the Nechako Valley Post Secondary Working Group (members from education, industry, first nations and communities, has given the go-ahead to a study to expand the post secondary education and training opportunities in the Nechako Valley.
As Mayor Gerry Thiessen noted, “the District of Vanderhoof recognizes that education, both K to 12 and Post secondary education, is a key driver in the economic growth of the community.”
The Victoria firm of Yates, Thorn & Associates has been retained to prepare a report that will collect and analyze relevant statistical information, engage community stakeholders, and identify strengths of existing programs and institutional partnerships. Once this information has been gathered and reviewed with the Committee and a wide range of stakeholders, the plan will identify innovative strategies to address chronic barriers to accessing and providing the post secondary education needed by people and employers in the Nechako region.
“The goal of study”, said Gary Blattner, Chair of the Nechako Valley Post Secondary Working Group, is “to develop a program delivery plan which will also identify facilities requirements and develop preliminary budget projections.”
The project team will be consulting a wide range of stakeholders including industry, education agencies, youth and First Nations. The public is invited to contribute their thoughts and ideas. There will be a dedicated webpage on the District of Vanderhoof website which will both provide information and gather comments from the public.
The lead consultant, Bob Yates, noted “hearing from as many people and agencies as possible is key to helping us develop the best possible strategies for the Valley”. He stressed that Yates, Thorn & Associates would be producing a plan in which everyone in the Valley would be able to take ownership, paving the way for exciting new developments in post-secondary education.