Unemployed British Columbians receiving services through the Employment Program of BC (EPBC) may now be eligible for up to a maximum of $7,500 in tuition funding available to help them access skills training. Previously, tuition support was capped at $4,000.

Employment advisors are available through WorkBC Employment Services Centres around the province to meet with job seekers to help them identify the supports and services they need to become employed. Depending on individual eligibility, job seekers may be able to access up to $7,500 in tuition support for skills-training programs that address an identified labour market need. The increased tuition support will be effective as of Nov. 19, 2012.

The Employment Program of BC, launched in April 2012, is delivered through 85 WorkBC Employment Services Centres and over 100 satellite, mobile or outreach services around the province. The goal of EPBC is to offer a full suite of employment programs to all unemployed British Columbians, including specialized populations, while ensuring quick and easy access through a single door. Specialized populations include youth, people with disabilities, immigrants, francophones, multi-barriered clients, survivors of violence and/or abuse, Aboriginal peoples, and people living in rural areas.

In 2012-13, the Ministry of Social Development will invest $343.5 million in employment programs and apprenticeship training, of which nearly $280 million is funded by the federal government through the Canada-BC Labour Market Development Agreement.

The Employment Program of BC supports BC's Family Agenda and the BC Jobs Plan.

Quote:

Minister of Social Development Moira Stilwell -

"Our government believes that people want to be self-sufficient, support their families and contribute to a growing economy. Tuition supports available through the Employment Program of BC help unemployed British Columbians have more opportunity to access skills training that will help them find - and keep - a job."

Learn More:

To share your ideas for how we can continue to build British Columbia's workforce, please join the conversation at www.bcjobsplan.ca

To find a WorkBC Employment Services Centre near you, visit www.WorkBCCentres.ca

To learn more about BC's Family Agenda, visit http://www.familiesfirstbc.ca

Contact:

Grant Kerr
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Social Development
250 387-5635
Grant.Kerr@gov.bc.ca