Today more than 60 representatives from area organizations, Aboriginal communities, post-secondary institutions, employers, labour and others took part in a Regional Workforce Table open house forum for B.C.'s northeast region.

The goal of the event was to provide a labour market snapshot of the opportunities and challenges facing B.C.'s northeast region and to discuss how a regional workforce table could facilitate the alignment of skills training programs with the labour market needs of the region.

The significant economic development opportunities both current and emerging in northeast B.C. represent a major opportunity and challenge as new projects come on line and demand for skilled workers continues to increase.

Morning presentations focused on providing participants with a northeast B.C. labour market snapshot, as well as details of programs and services, community views on regional training needs and discussion on economic developments in the region. The afternoon session was devoted to roundtable discussions with participants and open dialogue on opportunities for a Regional Workforce Table in the Northeast.

The open house forum was held at Northern Lights College's Centre of Excellence for Clean Energy Technology.

Quotes:

Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of Advanced Education -

"I'd like to thank everyone who took part in today's Open House Forum as we move together under the BC Jobs Plan to create this Regional Workforce Table. Community leadership and local knowledge and experience will ensure we are providing the right skills and trades training programs to meet the current and future human resource needs in the Northeast."

Laurie Rancourt, president and CEO, Northern Lights College -

"The creation of a Regional Workforce Table is an important step in collaboratively addressing the workforce demands in our communities. Northern Lights College looks forward to working with our government, First Nations, education, industry and community partners in ensuring that we have the collective capacity to take full advantage of the economic opportunities that exist within our region."

Learn More:

The BC Jobs Plan: www.bcjobsplan.ca
Northeast Regional Workforce Table: www.jti.gov.bc.ca/regionalworkforcetables/

Contact:

Sheldon Johnson
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 213-5811