The provincial government has anted up to help the University of the Fraser Valley acquire new skills training equipment.

The province is funding the purchase of $621,701 worth of new equipment, Minister of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology John Yap announced Thursday.

The money will help buy a diagnostic engine bench, a plasma table, a flat-deck trailer and a planer, according to a news release.

The money is part of the province's $17-million Skills and Training Plan to help B.C. post-secondary institutions.

"Trades are a practical way for people to make a living," Chilliwack MLA John Les said in a press release.

"This funding will help improve trades programs at University of the Fraser Valley, and will give students even more hands-on experience that they can take with them to their jobs."

Yap added: "This provincial investment, coupled with contributions from private industry partners, will ensure students are training on the same calibre of equipment their employers will be asking them to work on after graduation."