The Government of B.C., in an original musical pairing, has teamed up with the Vancouver Folk Music Festival Society by providing $9,400 in Job Creation Partnership funding and a unique work experience.

Two people are getting 26 weeks of work experience updating the co-ordination and staging of the 37th annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival, as well as archiving festival memorabilia, such as recordings, programs and photographs from its past. The folk festival takes place July 18-20, 2014, at Vancouver’s Jericho Beach.

Job Creation Partnerships are part 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.

Quotes:

Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation Don McRae -

“Helping British Columbians develop the skills they need to support themselves and thrive professionally is what these partnerships can provide. The experience participants gain from this opportunity will help people realize their potential and fulfil their employment goals.”

Vancouver-False Creek MLA Sam Sullivan -

“This is an important partnership that will help strengthen our community. The participants in this program will gain significant work experience and provide a valuable service to the Vancouver Folk Music Festival.”

Artistic managing director of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival Linda Tanaka -

“The Job Creation Partnership is a win-win situation for the festival and the participants. The partnership opens new doors for the participants’ careers.”

Job Creation Partnership participant Daniele -

“It has really given me a great opportunity to get back into the workforce and get contacts here in B.C. It’s been really amazing for me.”

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.
• 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 greater support to people struggling to gain a foothold in the job market or who face unique challenges.
• 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

For a photo of Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation Don McRae with a Vancouver Folk Music Festival poster: http://ow.ly/zfoRp

Media Contacts:

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