The B.C. government is responding to the need for trained workers in rural B.C. by seeking proposals for industry-specific programs will provide more skilled workers in the North Coast, Nechako, Cariboo and Kootenay regions.

It's anticipated that B.C. will have one million job openings in the next 10 years, and much of the demand will be in the Interior and northern B.C. To help meet the challenge, the Province is providing up to $500,000 per funded project for job-training proposals. The funding comes through the Canada/B.C. Labour Market Agreement (LMA).

In order to qualify, proposed programs must be for 25 or more eligible employed or unemployed participants and must address a specific sector or industry-based labour market need.

Participants in the programs must be:

• Unemployed individuals who have not had an Employment Insurance claim in the past three years, or five years in the case of parental leave, or
• Low-skilled individuals who do not have any post-secondary education toward a university degree and lack a high-school diploma (or equivalent); or who have a high school diploma (or equivalent) but do not have any recognized certification.

Funded projects will assist communities, sectors, employers and workers adjust to changing labour market conditions in their area. The goal is to increase the number of qualified workers for available and anticipated employment opportunities. All proposals for funding under the Labour Market Solutions Initiative must be submitted to BC Bid and received by Friday, July 29, 2011.

Further details on the Labour Market Solutions Initiative - Sector Based Solutions program eligibility requirements and how to apply can be found at: www.bcbid.gov.bc.ca/

Background:

Labour Market Agreement -

The Labour Market Solutions Initiative is funded through the LMA. Through a variety of programs, LMA funds increase access to skills training for unemployed people who are not currently Employment Insurance clients, including those who are under-represented in the labour market.

Funding also supports training for employed individuals who are low-skilled, do not have a high school diploma or recognized certification to reach their full potential in the current marketplace.

Contact:

Gordon Keast
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104