As the Employment Program of BC (EPBC) celebrates its second anniversary of putting British Columbians to work, two projects are currently helping 16 people get on-the-job experience, while building diverse community infrastructure in the Kootenays.

EPBC, a program of the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation, is funding two Job Creation Partnerships, one in Nelson and another in the Creston area.

In Nelson, $128,967 for the Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce is providing work experience for six people as they help refurbish the historic Canadian Pacific Railway station and turn it into a Regional Visitor Gateway. The gateway will include the local tourist centre and the Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce.

In the Creston area, $135,929.90 for the Kootenay Employment Services Society has 10 people working on a partnership with three community non-profit organizations: the Therapeutic Riding Association, Creston and District Community Resource Centre Society, and the Kootenay Region Association for Community Living. When finished, these projects will largely benefit people with disabilities in their communities.

Job Creation Partnerships were introduced in April 2012 as part of the Employment Program of BC. To date, more than 70 projects have been funded throughout the province, eight in the Kootenay Region.

Quotes:

Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation Don McRae -

“The latest partnerships in Creston and Nelson show the diverse ways we help people get work experience in their communities. The communities benefit in a variety of ways as well — from getting support to repurpose a historic train station to refurbishing buildings that assist people with disabilities. That is a priority for the B.C. government and clearly a priority for these organizations.”

Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce executive director Tom Thomson -

“The Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce and the participants have benefitted tremendously from the Job Creation Partnership. The participants are learning transferable skills that have led to private-sector job opportunities and, in some cases, provided the skills and desire to enrol in trades apprenticeship opportunities.”

John, Job Creation Partnership participant in Nelson -

“Working on the Job Creation Partnership project has been very beneficial for me. It has allowed me to gain on the job construction experience, expanding my skills and boosting my confidence.”

Jade, Job Creation Partnership participant in Creston -

“I have found this program to be a large help for me in learning new skills - especially in building and working as a part of a crew. As a woman, I really feel that I have benefitted, and am more able to take on more employment and education. I am now able to use power tools and do small fix-ups around my own home and have far more understanding for the building processes that go into our homes and into all buildings throughout our community. The Job Creation Partnership has not only broadened my skills but has also given me a good group of friends and more opportunities through them.”

Quick Facts:

• In 2014/15, the ministry has committed to investing $331 million in employment and labour market programs under the Employment Program of BC.
• The Employment Program of BC’s focus is to provide the services and supports that unemployed British Columbians need to find and keep a job.
• While the majority of the funding supports 85 WorkBC Employment Services Centres across the province, one other important element of the program is a Community and Employer Partnerships fund.
• Community and Employer Partnerships also increase employment opportunities for unemployed British Columbians through the use of community-based partnerships, shared information, technology and innovation.
• The other three components of Community and Employer Partnerships are:
  • Labour Market Partnerships,
  • Project Based Labour Market Training, and
  • Research and Innovation.
• More than 33,000 employment outcomes have been achieved since the launch of the Employment Program of BC.

Who is eligible?

• Businesses
• Non-profit organizations
• Municipalities, agencies or territorial governments
• Band/tribal councils
• Public health and educational institutions
• Crown corporations

(flickr.com)

Learn More:

For more information on Job Creation Partnerships and 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 Contacts:

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