Two people are rolling up their sleeves and getting valuable work experience as the B.C. government partners with the Kindale Developmental Association, contributing more than $27,000 to start a volunteer community gardening program.

As part of the Job Creation Partnership, the Patchwork Community Farms project is providing work experience in urban agriculture, program development, marketing and event hosting over 32 weeks. This project focuses on generating interest in non-profits, school groups and the general public to generate volunteers for Patchwork Community Farms with the potential to expand to other community gardens.

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 −

“The Job Creation Partnership is about helping local people gain work experience while contributing directly to community projects, like Patchwork Community Farms. The opportunity to expand on skills that are transferable to various industry sectors will go a long way in helping unemployed British Columbians establish themselves as valuable employees and members of their communities.”

Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster −

“Thanks to this partnership, the community of Vernon will profit from a great gardening program. Local participants will not only help out with gardening but they will get others interested in urban agriculture, while gaining valuable hands-on experience that crosses over into other sectors.”

Kindale Developmental Association executive director B (Benita) Elliott −

“We’re thrilled to have the support of the Province behind us as we develop a great new project designed to help the community of Vernon. Likewise, we’re pleased that we could help provide work experience to people who are interested in agriculture and volunteer work.”

Project participant and farm co-ordinator Amy Fehr −

“This is my dream job. It allows me to use abilities and knowledge that I already have and to build new skills through the experiences incorporated into this project. It is a joy to work with Kindale and the other non-profit partners who are so supportive, our volunteers who are willing workers, and other members of the community who are helping to make this project a success.”

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 more support to people who are 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 participants in action: https://flic.kr/p/oTumru

Media Contacts:

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