Two new programs launched to help the employment sector think outside the box could be the ticket to get some unemployed British Columbians into the workforce.

The new programs are being launched under the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation's Community and Employer Partnerships:

• Research and Innovation will encourage progressive research and untried methods of delivering programming to discover new and better ways of helping people find work as quickly as possible.
• Project Based Labour Market Training will help groups of people - for example, those who have received layoff notices - with on- or off-the-job employment training.

Projects that provide opportunities for people who are often disadvantaged in the workforce -such as youth, people with disabilities and Aboriginal peoples - will be encouraged.

The Community and Employer Partnerships were introduced in April 2012 as part of the Employment Program of BC. To date, more than 280 job seekers have benefited from work experience, more than $3 million has been committed to Community and Employer Partnerships and more than 70 community-building projects have been funded.

Community and Employer Partnerships support community projects that focus on increasing employability and sharing labour market information throughout B.C.

Quote:

Don McRae, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation -

"For unemployed British Columbians who are looking for work or in danger of losing their jobs, these two new ventures are designed to help the employment sector come up with new ways of getting people back to work. Though all elements of the Community and Employer Partnerships are open to everyone eligible, we will be focussing and fast-tracking projects that benefit people with disabilities, Aboriginal peoples and youth."

Quick Facts:

• Project Based Labour Market Training projects are developed by community organizations, employers, industry and WorkBC Employment Services Centres working together. The funds provide skills training for groups of unemployed people, delivered in a supportive environment.
• This training involves a range of supports, which may include counseling, vocational and learning assessments, work experience, job search skills, mentorship, referral to community resources and post-project follow-up. The budget available for Project Based Labour Market Training for 2014-15 is $2.25 million.
• Research and Innovation delves into research, or the development and implementation of innovative pilot projects, processes or practices that strengthen the understanding of the labour market. The budget available for Research and Innovation for 2014-15 is $1.25 million.
• The two other components of Community and Employer Partnerships are Job Creation Partnerships and Labour Market Partnerships.
• The total budget for the Community and Employer Partnerships for 2014-15 is $8 million.

Who is eligible?

For Project Based Labour Market Training funding:

• Businesses
• Non-Profit Organizations
• Municipalities, Agencies or Territorial Governments
• Band/Tribal Councils
• Public Health and Educational Institutions

For Research and Innovation funding:

• Businesses
• Non-Profit Organizations
• Municipalities, Agencies or Territorial Governments
• Band/Tribal Councils 
• Public Health and Educational Institutions
• Crown Corporations

Learn More:

For more information on the Community and Employer Partnerships: www.workbc.ca/Workplace-Resources/Community-Employer-Partnerships

To find a local WorkBC Employment Services Centre: www.workbccentres.ca

To learn more about the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation: www.gov.bc.ca/hsd/index.html

Media Contact:

Joanne Whittier
Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation
250 387-6490