From software systems development and auto refinishing, to underground mining, shellfish aquaculture and a host of other programs, the B.C. government is investing over $13 million in new employment skills training in regions throughout British Columbia.

As part of 'Canada Starts Here: The B.C. Jobs Plan', over 50 skills training programs are being delivered by 20 post-secondary institutions throughout the province under the government's Employment Skills Access Initiative (ESA). This project is funded within government's existing fiscal plan.

Through ESA, eligible British Columbians are provided with tuition-free, group-based training at public, post-secondary institutions to prepare them for entry or re-entry into the labour force. ESA skills training programs are primarily focused on preparing participants for entry-level employment in industries, sectors or occupations that are currently experiencing or are projected to experience labour or skills shortages.

Training programs are expected to be at least three weeks in duration, to a maximum of 12 months, with an emphasis on programs that provide participants with provincially or industry-recognized credentials. For occupations with established provincial standards for training and certification, training programs must follow and meet those standards.

Participants in programs must be unemployed individuals who have not established an Employment Insurance claim in the past three years, or five years in the case of maternity/parental leave.

The Employment Skills Access Initiative is funded through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement (LMA).

Over the next decade, British Columbia is projected to have over one million job openings. A new wave of economic growth stimulated by the BC Jobs Plan will further increase the number of jobs. The BC Jobs Plan will ensure the over $500 million provided annually for labour market and training programs is targeted to meeting regional and industry labour market needs.

Quotes:

Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development - 

"Our Government's top priority is jobs and the economy. To achieve our goal, we invest in provincial initiatives, like Employment Skills Access, so unemployed British Columbians can develop the skills they need to get good jobs and succeed."

Learn More:

Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/

Skills for Growth, British Columbia's labour market strategy to 2020: http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/skills_for_growth/welcome.htm

Canada/British Columbia Labour Market Agreement: http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/labourmarketagreement/

Contact:

Gordon Keast
Senior Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104

BACKGROUNDER

Employment Skills Access Initiative

Over $13 million in funding for new skills training programs

The following is a list of Employment Skills Access Initiative (ESA) training programs, current to Dec. 8, 2011.

Cariboo/North Coast - $2,563,936

College of New Caledonia

* $60,000 - Lumber Manufacturing, 12 participants. This 14-week program prepares participants for employment in a modern lumber manufacturing facility. Note: participant intake for this program has now closed.

* $221,706 - Light Warehouse Training, 32 participants. This 18-week program provides certificate training for entry-level employment in the warehousing industry. For more information about this program, visit: www.cnc.bc.ca/__shared/assets/Light_Warehouse_Training_Program_Flatsheet20827.pdf

Nicola Valley Institute of Technology

* $165,385 - Service Industries Training Program, 45 participants. This eight-week program teaches the skills to gain entry-level employment in a services-related industry. For more information about this training program, please contact Ali Antoine at 250 378-3398 or: aantoine@nvit.bc.ca

Northwest Community College

* $403,530 - Construction Trades helpers and Labourers, 60 participants. This eight-week program teaches the skills needed for entry-level employment in construction.

* $301,561 - Heavy Equipment Operator Foundations and Technical Training Program, 18 participants. This 17-week program teaches the skills needed for employment in the resource and construction sectors.

* $257,866 - Value Added Carpentry Skills Plus, 18 participants. This six-month program, developed in partnership with the Gitwangak Education Society, includes the Industry Training Authority recognized Carpentry Foundations pre-apprenticeship program.

* For more information about Northwest Community College's ESA training programs, contact Charlynn Toews at 250 635-6511 ext. 5357 or email ctoews@nwcc.bc.ca or visit http://ceit.nwcc.bc.ca

University of Northern BC

* $115,460 - Wildland Fire Training, 42 participants. This three-week program teaches the skills needed to become a wildland fire fighter in B.C.

* $67,620 - Introduction to Geographical Information Systems, 14 participants. This three-month certificate program provides participants with a level of competence and broad skill set that will allow them to be successful in achieving employment.

* For more information about ESA training programs at UNBC, please contact Robert Bryce at 250 960-5982 or brycer@unbc.ca, or visit: www.unbc.ca/continuingstudies/

Labour Market Consortium (Northwestern Community College, College of New Caledonia, Northern Lights College)

* $460,356 - Industry Field Medic Skills Training, 144 participants. This four-week program will combine occupational first aid level 3 with the safety certificates asked for by most employers (WHMIS, Transportation of Dangerous Goods, H2S Alive.)

* $510,452 - Essential Office Skills Training Program, 108 participants. This seven-week course trains participants to be customer-service-oriented and computer-savvy, with communication, thinking and accounting skills.

* For more information about these training programs, contact Charlynn Toews at 250 635-6511 ext. 5357 or email ctoews@nwcc.bc.ca or visit: http://ceit.nwcc.bc.ca

Kootenays - $1,030,976

College of the Rockies

* $87,120 - Introduction to the Trades Program, 12 participants. This 10-week program provides participants with certification required to gain employment in a trades-related position at an entry or apprentice level.

* $269,332 - Forestry Boot Camp Training Program, 24 participants. This three-week program provides the certification needed to gain entry-level employment in the forest industry.

* For more information about ESA training programs at College of the Rockies, please contact Bonnie New at 250 489-2751 ext 3440 or: bnew@cotr.bc.ca.

Selkirk College

* $423,494 - Administrative Skills, 48 participants. This 24-week program provides training for entry-level administrative and clerical positions.

* $251,030 - Early Childhood Care Education Assistant, 40 participants. This 20-week program provides the certification needed to become employable at childcare facilities.

* For more information about Selkirk College's ESA training programs, please phone 250 364-5780 or email esa@selkirk.ca or visit: www.selkirk.ca/ce

Lower Mainland - $4,653,329

BCIT

* $242,968 - Software Systems Developer - web design, 20 participants. This 30-week, full-time program prepares participants for entry-level careers in web design and development. Note: participant intake for this program has now closed.

* $448,368 - Business Skills Training, 60 participants. This program enables participants to acquire relevant entry-level business skills, up-to-date training with computer-based business applications and an understanding of what an appropriate career path may be for their interests and aptitudes. For more information about this program, email barbra_shauer@bcit.ca.

Capilano University

* $282,298 - Business Culture in Canada for Foreign Trained Professionals, 54 participants. This 12-week program will help unemployed foreign-trained professionals assess and upgrade their skills and increase their knowledge of the Canadian marketplace.

* $172,774 - WorkStart Essentials Training Program, 40 participants. This eight-week program provides participants with workplace skills and certifications.

* For more information about Capilano University's ESA training programs, email esa@capilanou.ca or visit:

http://www2.capilanou.ca/future/calendar/current/cont-ed/ch12s01s11.html

Douglas College

* $180,027 - Enhanced Basic Security, 72 participants. This three-week program includes the mandatory provincial Basic Security Guard Training, as well as Essential Skills instruction and a job search component

* $99,448 - Customer Service and Cashier Training, 28 participants. This 13-week program covers all the required skills to prepare participants for positions in customer service, hospitality, merchandising and cashiering.

* $104,162 - Light Warehouse Training, 28 participants. This 15-week training program prepares eligible participants for employment in the warehouse industry.

* $331,709 - Health Care Support Assistant, 16 participants. This 29-week program offers the skills and credentials needed for employment in the health care and social assistance sectors. Note: participant intake for this program has now closed.

* $76,700 - Building Service Worker, 45 participants. This six-week program covers the skills needed for janitorial service, custodian and general building maintenance.

* For more information about Douglas College's ESA training programs, contact Monifa Ayinde at 604 777-6088 or: ayindem@douglascollege.ca

Kwantlen Polytechnic University

* $286,282 - Low Voltage, Security, Data Wiring, 64 participants. This eight-week training program offers the skills needed to enter the low voltage industry. For more information about this program, visit: www.kwantlen.ca.

* $247,178 - Professional Communication for Internationally Educated Health Professionals, 51 participants. This 14-week program provides foreign-trained health professionals with the communication skills necessary to obtain employment. For information about this program, please visit: www.kwantlen.bc.ca/aca/els/IEHP.html

* $79,886 - Building Service Worker, 64 participants. This four-week program offers the skills necessary for entry-level employment in the building services industry. For more information about this program, visit: www.kwantlen.ca.

Langara College

* $334,489 - Advanced Administrative Skills, 75 participants. This 13-week program offers high-level administrative skills and business communication skills for senior and advanced employment.

* $359,509 - Office Administration Skills, 90 participants. This nine-week program trains and prepares participants with entry-level administrative skills.

* For more information about ESA training programs at Langara College, phone Kofi Ohene-Asante at 604 304-0124 or email kofi@langara.bc.ca

Simon Fraser University

* $232,553 - Public Relations Certificate, 32 participants. This 17-week program is designed for immigrants to build the skills and cultural competencies required to succeed in the public relations field. For more information about this program, phone 778 782-7925 or email cep_info@sfu.ca or visit: www.sfu.ca/community

Vancouver Community College

* $68,024 - Building Management, 32 participants. This 12-week program enhances the skills and employability of participants in the field of building management and services.

* $111,442 - Business Readiness for New Canadians, 32 participants. This 14-week program provides participants who have business experience gained internationally with the skills they need for employment in business administration in BC.

* $106,874 - Access to Transportation Trades, 32 participants. This 12-week program trains students for entrance into the transportation and warehousing industry.

* $88,559 - Auto Refinishing, 16 participants. This 20-week program offers skills needed for employment in the auto refinishing industry.

* For more information about Vancouver Community College's training programs, please call 604 443-8646 or email esa@vcc.ca

Labour Market Consortium (Capilano University, Langara College, University of the Fraser Valley, Douglas College)

* $800,079 - WorkStart Essentials, 180 participants. This program has three different streams of training: a Retail and Hospitality Customer Service program, a Business and Computer Essentials Program, and an Introduction to the Trades Program. For more information about this training program, email esa@capilanou.ca.

Thompson-Okanagan - $831,833

Okanagan College

* $312,442 - Management Skills, 60 participants. This six-week program covers a broad range of supervisory and project management skills.

Labour Market Consortium (Okanagan College, College of the Rockies, Selkirk College)

* $519,391 - Wine and Service Industry, 84 participants. This seven-week program provides participants with the skills and knowledge to discuss the wine industry, education customers, and create and serve mixed drinks, wines and liquors.

For more information about these programs, please contact Roberta Sawatzky at 250 762-5445, ext. 4809 or email her at: rsawatzky@okanagan.bc.ca

Vancouver Island-North - $2,864,778

North Island College

* $271,669 - Carpentry Access, 14 participants. This 39-week program is designed for participants with limited experience who have a desire to work in the field and are seeking the fundamental skills to pursue entry-level carpentry positions. Note: participant intake for this program has now closed.

* $940,362 - Woodland Harvesting Certificate Program, 42 participants. This program provides participants with the skills needed for employment in the forestry sector. Note: participant intake for this program has now closed.

* $323,028 - Underground Mining, 24 participants. This four-month program delivers occupational-based skills in underground mining.

* $386,481 - Integrated Core Resources Skills Training, 60 participants. This eight-week program offers the skills necessary to enter the utility supply chain, natural resources and wildland wildfire sectors.

* For more information about North Island College's training programs, phone Cheryl O'Connell at 250 923-9721

Vancouver Island University

* $192,840 - Shellfish Aquaculture Technician, 42 participants. This six-week program prepares students for employment in the shellfish aquaculture industry with training in the development and operation of a shellfish farming enterprise.

* $151,500 - Marine Operator Training, 48 participants. This three-week program offers the skills to meet the standards of the marine industry and Transport Canada for the operation of commercial vessels.

* $225,985 - Introduction to the Culinary Arts, 48 participants. This 12-week program offers the skills needed to fill entry-level culinary and food service positions.

* For more information about Vancouver Island University's training programs, please visit: www.viu.ca/ccs/courses/esa.asp.

Labour Market Consortium (North Island College, Vancouver Island University, Camosun College)

* $372,913 - Leadership and Capacity Building Skills for First Nations Communities, 96 participants. This program provides skills-oriented training for First Nations participants to enable them to meet the leadership and management needs of their communities. For more information about this training program, phone Cheryl O'Connell at 250 923-9721.

Vancouver Island-South - $1,497,093

Camosun College

* $195,300 - Foundations Training for the Maritime Industry, 72 participants. Participants will complete common core entry-level nautical courses in preparation for employment in a number of marine industries.

* $61,920 - On-line Project Management, 8 participants. This 14-week on-line training program teaches all aspects of project management. It provides and introduction to the fundamental theory and approach used to manage projects successfully.

* $103,576 - Aboriginal House Design using AutoCAD, 28 participants. This 12-week training program provides participants with Level 1 AutoCAD training as they create a home design that incorporates west coast Aboriginal design concepts.

* $159,910 - Residential Building Maintenance Worker Level 1 and 2, 32 participants. This 12-week program equips participants with the skills to maintain and repair residential buildings.

* $135,272 - Certificate in Web Foundations, 24 participants. This eight-week program teaches participants how to create well-designed websites.

* $94,864 - MS Office Fast Track, 31 participants. This program quickly introduces participants to applied, practical skills in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, Access and PowerPoint.

* For more information about Camosun College's training programs, phone 250 370-4790 or email esa@camosun.ca or visit: http://camosun.ca/business-services/contract-training/esap.html

Royal Roads University

* $746,251 - Customer Management Skills Certificate, Business Administration and Accounting Preparatory Skills Certificate, Project Management Associate Skills Certificate, 96 participants. These three programs include a host of courses designed to develop communication, leadership, planning, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

* For more information about these programs, phone 250 391-2600 x 4808 or 250 391-2600 x 4773 or visit: www.royalroads.ca/continuing-studies/employment-skills-program.htm.

Contact:

Gordon Keast
Senior Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104