An e-newsletter detailing progress being made on B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint action items is being launched today. You can link to it here: http://bit.ly/1xj2JmZ

Today’s introductory edition offers a sample of what subscribers can expect. It includes a feature on a high school student who is getting hand-on training in the trades, a link to the Careers Skills and Training Tool Kit and Industry Training Authority (ITA) actions toward building a stronger partnership with industry and labour.

Future e-newsletter issues will be published bi-monthly and provide all the latest skills training news from across B.C. government ministries and the ITA - including feature success stories, guest columnists and details about events, conferences and tradeshows throughout the province.

To receive the e-newsletter and have regular action updates sent directly in your mailbox, scroll to the bottom of the introductory e-newsletter and subscribe.

B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint was launched by the provincial government in spring 2014 presenting a comprehensive strategy to re-engineer education and apprenticeship systems. It puts British Columbians first in line to fill the one million job openings expected by 2022.

The Blueprint is a detailed cross-government action plan to ensure B.C. is prepared for a growing economy by offering young people a clear and seamless path right from school to the workplace.

Specific targets include: doubling the number of ACE-IT spaces to 5,000 over the next two years, investing $185 million in infrastructure targeted for skills and trades training, and increasing apprenticeships in high-demand areas.

Quotes:

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour -

“It is important that we create a convenient way for all British Columbians to learn about progress being made on Blueprint action items. We are working hard to re-engineer our apprenticeship system through a refocused ITA, to deliver the skilled workforce B.C. will need in the future.”

Amrik Virk, Minister of Advanced Education -

“As I’ve been visiting post-secondary institutions and listening to students, faculty and staff, it’s clear that the Blueprint is helping set students on the right path for a bright future. The newsletter is an easy way for British Columbians to remain connected to the important work that’s happening throughout our province to re-engineer our education system from kindergarten through post-secondary training and beyond so British Columbians will be first in line for jobs.”

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Education -

“We are very excited with the progress that’s been made so far and I know school districts and our partners across the sector share in our enthusiasm. Providing our students a head-start to hands-on learning not only helps keep them engaged on their educational journey, but gives them the knowledge and experience to succeed in the workforce or on the path to higher education.”

John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation -

“Aboriginal people have a crucial role in our jobs strategy and are a vital part of B.C.’s economic future.  In the weeks ahead, we’ll highlight some of the work being done to close the skills gap in First Nations and help their members succeed and prosper. ”

Quick Facts:

• By 2022, B.C. is expecting one million job openings in B.C created by retirements and our growing economy.
• More than 78% of jobs will require some form of post-secondary education, and 43% will needs skilled trades and technical workers.

Learn More:

B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: http://www.workbc.ca/skills

Industry Training Authority: http://www.itabc.ca

BC Jobs Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca

Media Contacts:

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