A cutting-edge international car sharing conference is rolling into Vancouver this week, providing work experience for four people, thanks to nearly $51,500 in Community and Employer Partnership government funding.

John Lalonde did not want his hearing loss to keep him from pursuing his dream job as a bike mechanic in Revelstoke, so this spring he reached out to his local WorkBC Employment Services Centre for help.

Local recreational trails in the Kamloops-North Thompson area are being cleared and cattle range fencing will be repaired by two local Aboriginal people who are getting work experience in forestry and agriculture.

Local back alleys are getting another splash of colour as two people get work experience painting three murals in downtown Kamloops, thanks to more than $19,000 in government funding.

The Single Parent Employment Initiative will remove barriers to employment for single parents on income and disability assistance by providing them with the supports they need to secure long-term and sustainable employment.

At least four people will get work experience helping the Vernon area improve its food security, thanks to more than $50,000 in provincial Job Creation Partnership funding that is benefitting two separate community organizations.

Amendments to the employment and assistance and the employment and assistance for persons with disabilities regulations pave the way for significant changes to the income and disability assistance program in British Columbia.