The Province of B.C. is investing $4,990,536 to extend a successful youth employment program to March 31, 2014, which will allow an additional 1,153 participants to take part in the program.

The Youth Skills BC - Workplace program, also known as the Get Youth Working program, encourages employers to provide younger workers with a combination of work experience and training so they can earn a wage while building their work experience and learning new skills. This program is popular with small- and medium-sized businesses, which may find it difficult to invest in on-the-job training and skills development.

The Get Youth Working program provides eligible employers in B.C. with an incentive of up to $2,800 per employee to hire a maximum of three eligible youth between the ages of 15 and 29. Each new employee must work an average of 30 hours a week for at least three months. The program offers an additional $1,000 per employee to offset external training costs to ensure each employee learns the skills to do the job.

This program has played a key role in helping two young men, Jake VanBuschbach and Tobias Kroiss, gain valuable work experience in the sheet metal industry. All Valley Metals in Surrey has hired them both through the Get Youth Working program, with VanBushbach learning how to install and remove heating, ventilation, air conditioning, ductwork and exhaust systems, and Kroiss learning skills in manufacturing and fabrication, including welding, soldering and installing a variety of sheet metal products.

The Get Youth Working program, delivered by Bowman Employment Services Inc., is funded through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement (LMA). Since being launched in January 2011, more than 1,139 youth have been employed beyond the three-month program. In the same period, about 1,970 youth received training and experience in many diverse industries, including forestry, real estate, food and beverage service and various trades.

Quotes:

Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour-

"This program allows youth to gain work experience and learn new skills, preparing them for a successful career in B.C.'s job market. I encourage all employers to take a chance on young people and give them the opportunity to hone their skills and build their resumes."

Susan Sambol, director of marketing and communications, Bowman Employment Services -

"In the past two years, the Get Youth Working program has helped over 1,970 young British Columbians obtain employment and receive on-the-job and third-party training. We at Bowman Employment Services Inc. are pleased that with the extended funding the program will assist an additional 1,153 BC youth in the next year. B.C. youth are gaining experience and new skills necessary to be successful in today's job market and in the future."

Jake VanBushbach, Get Youth Working participant-

"All Valley Metals and the Get Youth Working program have helped me develop the skill-set I need to continue a career in my field."

Tobias Kroiss, Get Youth Working participant-

"Every day at All Valley Metals, I continue to grow and develop my skills within the sheet metal trade. I am thankful that the Get Youth Working program helped to initiate this opportunity."

Quick Facts:

• Between April 1, 2012 and Feb. 28, 2013, the Get Youth Working program received 7,776 expressions of interest. After completing eligibility checks, 5,812 were eligible youth hoping to be matched to an employer and become a participant in the program.

• From January 2011 to Feb. 28, 2013, employers have submitted more than 2,337 Get Youth Working program participation requests.

• Based on a follow-up survey three months after finishing the program, 65 per cent of participants were working and 20 per cent were pursuing further schooling or training.

• The Canada-British Columbia LMA funds programs and services for employed people who are low-skilled and for unemployed individuals who are not eligible for Employment Insurance.

Learn More:

Get Youth Working: www.getyouthworking.ca

WorkBC skills training programs: www.workbc.ca/education-training/programs/pages/employment-programs.aspx

Industry Training Authority: www.itabc.ca

Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement information: www.jtst.gov.bc.ca/labourmarketagreement

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
250 387-2799

Susan Sambol
Director of Marketing and Communications
Bowman Employment Services Inc.
604 466-1375 ext. 102 or 1 888 466-1375