When premier Christy Clark unveils a new job creation plan for B.C. later this month, it will likely include an emphasis on training for blue collar trades work like carpentry, plumbing, welding and operating heavy equipment.

Chilliwack Liberal MLA John Les dropped a strong hint about the provincial government鈥檚 likely new direction during a 91原创 visit last week (Sept. 8).

鈥淭hose kinds of jobs are going begging across the province and they pay very, very, very well,鈥� Les told The Times during an interview at local MLA Mary Polak鈥檚 office.

鈥淭hose are good family-supporting jobs. We need to be focused on trades training.鈥�

Les, the parliamentary secretary to the premier, has been conducting a 鈥渏obs tour鈥� for the premier by meeting with local chambers of commerce and business representatives to get information about regional job needs.

鈥淢y job is to connect with people and gather up ideas,鈥� Les said.

Before he came to 91原创, Les visited northwest B.C. and Vancouver island.

His next scheduled stops were the Okanagan and the Cariboo.

The focus on trades jobs fits with another likely aspect of the provincial government鈥檚 job creation program, a new emphasis on business with booming Pacific Rim economies like China, which is expected to have a voracious appetite for B.C. copper, coal and natural gas, according to Les.