As the North gets ready for the jobs boom, the B.C. government is investing in training people in a new way to help meet anticipated demand in the hospitality industry.

The Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation is investing $113,678 in the first Project-Based Labour Market Training project in the province, called Room Keys, which will give 15 people skills, training and on-the-job experience at Prince George-area hotels and motels.

The 15 men and women will train as a group, receiving 18 weeks of occupational skills training at the Canadian Vocational Training Centre, followed by six weeks of on-the-job work experience.

Project-Based Labour Market Training is a new component of Community and Employer Partnerships, which were introduced in April 2012 as part of the Employment Program of BC.

These partnerships are in keeping with B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint to maximize the potential of the province’s existing workforce and its young workforce of the future.

To date, more than 300 job seekers have benefited from Community and Employer Partnership work experience and 88 community-building projects have been funded.

Quotes:

Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation Don McRae −

“I’m excited about this first Project-Based Labour Market Training venture in B.C. that is taking place in Prince George. It’s a great opportunity to train a group of people and ready them for work in the vibrant hotel sector.”

Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond −

“Tourism is a significant economic generator and job creator in our province. This project, designed to give participants work experience in the tourism sector, will help them get back into the workforce. Opportunities like this are critical to ensuring that we have the labour force we need today and in the future.”

Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Mike Morris −

“The Community and Employer Partnership program, which combines skills training with practical experience, is an effective way of equipping people with the skills they need for working in the hotel and accommodation sector.”

Project holder and Canadian Vocational Training Centre president Cal Purcell −

“The Room Keys project is another way the government of B.C. is rising to meet the human resource needs of B.C.’s growing tourism sector. Projects like Room Keys assist local unemployed people to get back into the workforce quickly with certification for jobs in a growing, vibrant industry.”

Ramada Hotel manager Tracy Peterson −

“The hospitality sector is extremely well served by a program like Project-Based Labour Market Training, as it addresses a number of the challenges we face in ensuring the effectiveness of our recruitment process.”

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 throughout the province, one other important element of the program is a Community and Employer Partnerships fund.
• Community and Employer Partnerships increase employment opportunities for unemployed British Columbians through the use of community-based partnerships, shared information, technology and innovation.

Learn More:

For more information on Job Creation Partnerships and Community and Employer Partnerships: http://www.workbc.ca/CEP

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

Media Contacts:

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