As B.C. athletes tally up the medals during the BC Summer Games, more than a dozen people will be racking up some valuable job experience at the Games, thanks to a new partnership with the Nanaimo 2014 BC Summer Games Society.

Through the Job Creation Partnership program, the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation has provided $62,210 toward the Games to help up to 14 people gain valuable work experience ranging from office administration and warehouse operations to co-ordinating accommodations and promotions.

With the Games approximately 100 days away, a torch-lighting ceremony is taking place at Nanaimo’s Maffeo Sutton Park tonight at 7 p.m., which has involved six workers from the partnership project.

Job Creation Partnerships are a component of Community and Employer Partnerships, which were introduced as part of the Employment Program of BC in April 2012. The goal is to increase employment opportunities for unemployed British Columbians and help employers and communities respond to the local labour market.

To date, more than 80 Community and Employer Partnerships have been funded throughout the province, providing work experience to more than 290 job seekers.

Quotes:

Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation Don McRae  ─

“The BC Summer Games project is a dynamic example of what Community and Employer Partnerships can do in communities across B.C.: provide valuable work experience for unemployed British Columbians and support communities and employers with their labour market needs.”

Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Coralee Oakes  ─

“The BC Summer Games is always an exciting event. I’m thrilled that a Job Creation Partnership is creating opportunities for people in Nanaimo to get on-the-job experience, while helping out their community. ”

Jeff Lott, president, Nanaimo 2014 BC Summer Games Society  ─

“Putting on an event like the BC Summer Games is a wonderful opportunity for any community. And so is this Job Creation Partnership, which helps us make the event that much better and allows people to get some really great work experience in all sorts of capacities.”

Quick Facts:

• The BC Summer Games run from July 17-20, 2014.
• Partners for the BC Summer Games include: Nanaimo 2014 BC Summer Games Society, the City of Nanaimo, Pacific Sport, Vancouver Island University and School District No. 68.
• Job Creation Partnerships provide funding to assist with local projects that provide useful work experience and skill enhancement opportunities.
• There are three other types of Community and Employer Partnerships:
• Labour Market Partnerships
• Project-Based Labour Market Training
• Research and Innovation
• The budget for the Community and Employer Partnerships for 2014-15 is $8 million.

Who is eligible?

• Community organizations, non-profit organizations
• Band/ tribal councils
• Municipalities
• Chambers of commerce and business associations
• B.C. businesses
• Public health or 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 Employment Program of BC 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 Contacts:

Grant Kerr
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation
250 387-5635