The B.C. government is seeking proposals to provide $4.3 million in additional funding for Job Options BC training programs that will help people find and keep employment in small, rural communities.

Job Options BC is targeted to unemployed British Columbians who are non-Employment Insurance clients. Up to 10 weeks of group and individual programming is available, including short-term training and work experience that prepares participants for new employment, or further training.

The program includes four to six weeks of group activities, including assessment, life skills, job-finding clubs and employability skills (job search, basic skills upgrading, computer training, and short term skill training). Groups usually include 10 to 12 participants.

Further skills training and/or work experience during the remainder of the program includes employer, community-based or volunteer work experience. This provides the opportunity for participants to learn skills to assist their search for paid employment.

The funding will be provided over three years.

This year, the Province, in partnership with the federal government, is investing over $15.8 million to provide Job Options BC programs in more than 50 B.C. communities. Funding for these programs is provided through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement.

Learn More:

Interested service providers can find further details on the eligibility and program requirements of this new Request for Proposals at: http://www.bcbid.gov.bc.ca

Job Options BC: http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/job_options_bc/welcome.htm

A backgrounder follows, listing communities where proposals are sought to offer the Job Options BC training program for job-seekers.

Media Contact:

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

BACKGROUNDER

Aug. 31, 2011 Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation

Potential Job Options BC communities

Proposals to offer the Job Options BC training program for job-seekers are now being sought for the following communities and surrounding areas:

Powell River Area

• Powell River, Texada Island

Port Hardy Area

• Alert Bay, Port Hardy, Port Alice, Port McNeill, Bella Bella, Ocean Falls, Shearwater

Squamish Area

• Britannia Beach, Squamish, Pemberton, Whistler

Penticton Area

• Oliver, Osoyoos, Kettle Valley, Keremeos, Princeton

Boundary Area

• Grand Forks, Greenwood, Midway

Prince George Area

• Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Fraser Lake, Burns Lake, McBride/Valemount

Northeast Area

• Fort Nelson, Northern Rockies, Fort St. John, Taylor, Hudson's Hope, Chetwynd, Tumbler Ridge, Dawson Creek, Pouce Coupe

Media Contact:

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