While athletes burn up the track at the BC Seniors Games, two people are getting behind-the-scenes work experience, thanks to a provincially-funded partnership with the Langley 2014 BC Seniors Games Society.

Under the direction of the Games’ operations manager and the project supervisor, two participants are getting work experience as they help plan, organize, and stage the 2014 BC Seniors Games. The pair is helping with volunteer recruitment and registration, logistics and warehouse operations, protocol, communications, medical and security services, promotions, special event coordination, and transportation. Through the Job Creation Partnership program, the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation has provided more than $5,400 toward the Games.

The BC Seniors Games take place Sept. 9-13, 2014, and is expecting 3,500 athletes.

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 more than 100 projects have been funded throughout the province.

Quotes:

Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation Don McRae -

“Job Creation Partnerships like these really underscore the diversity of B.C.’s job market and help people get the skills that they need to find work in the future. I’m excited about how creative community partners are in finding people meaningful training opportunities.”

Langley MLA Mary Polak -

“The BC Seniors Games is such an exciting event to have in Langley. I look forward to meeting many of these accomplished athletes and taking part in the medal ceremonies. An added bonus of the Games is the opportunity to provide work experience and skills enhancement through the Community and Employers Partnership fund.”

Fort Langley-Aldergrove MLA Rich Coleman -

“Staging the BC Seniors Games takes a lot of effort and the two people getting work experience through this government-Games partnership are a big part of that.”

BC Seniors Games operations manager Shirley Stewart -

“This partnership has provided this organization with the opportunity to connect with enthusiastic participants who have brought diverse skills and experiences to the office.”

Partnership participant Audrey Martin -

“This program has given me the opportunity to get back into the workforce, be exposed to new environments and refresh some technical skills.”

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 through 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
• Community and Employer Partnerships are also part of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint that helps align training and education with in-demand jobs and provides more support to those who are struggling to gain a foothold in the job market or who face unique challenges.

Who is eligible?

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

Learn More:

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

Find a local WorkBC Employment Services Centre: www.workbccentres.ca

Learn more about the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation: www.gov.bc.ca/hsd/index

Media Contacts:

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