Two people will get work experience in new media technology and an exhibit honouring the contributions of the South Asian community to the First World War is getting $41,667 in Job Creation Partnership funding from the provincial government.

The partnership with Indus Media Foundation will result in a cultural display, including a permanent online presence, of the Great War years (1914-1918), which began 100 years ago this year. The project will be displayed at Simon Fraser University, the Surrey City Library and the Surrey Archives in November. The display will be available on loan after that.

One participant will get work experience as a digital media designer/developer and the other will work on content, marketing and administration related to social media. A school resource package for high school students will also be completed over the course of the 26-week partnership. Other partners in the $106,167 project include Simon Fraser University, University Fraser Valley Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies, City of Surrey Heritage Services, Surrey Central City Library, Surrey School District No. 36, Wood West and Associates Inc. and the Indian Ex- Servicemen Society of BC.

Job Creation Partnerships are a component of the Employment Program of BC’s Community and Employer Partnerships, which fund projects that increase employability and share labour market information.

To date, more than 340 job seekers have benefited from work experience and approximately 100 projects have been funded throughout the province.

The Community and Employer Partnerships program is featured in B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint that helps align training and education with in-demand jobs and provides more support to people who are struggling to gain a foothold in the job market or who face unique challenges.

Quotes:

Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation Don McRae -

“Remembering the contribution that the South Asian Community made to the First World War is important, especially during the 100th anniversary of the conflict. I’m pleased that a Community and Employer Partnership is contributing to this important exhibit that will help create greater cultural understanding, while giving two people valuable work experience.”

Surrey-Tynehead MLA Amrik Virk -

“This will be a high profile exhibit that people across the province will be able to experience. The opportunity to work in new digital media on this project will give two people invaluable experience that will give them a head start on their careers.”

Indus Media Foundation managing director and project holder Steven Purewal -

“This Job Creation Partnership is an opportunity for the workers to develop cutting-edge skills in new media technologies. It’s critical we engage people in effective ways to develop awareness around themes important to South Asian and multicultural communities - an up-to-date interactive exhibit will help garner that attention.”

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 is funded by the Province of British Columbia as well as the Government of Canada through the Labour Market Development Agreement.
• Funding supports 85 WorkBC Employment Services Centres throughout the province and the four components of the Community and Employer Partnerships fund:
  • Job Creation Partnerships
  • Labour Market Partnerships
  • Project-Based Labour Market Training
  • Research and Innovation

Who is eligible?

• Businesses
• Non-Profit Organizations
• Municipalities, Agencies or Territorial Governments
• Bands/tribal councils
• Public Health and Educational Institutions

Learn More:

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

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/sdsi

Media Contacts:

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