Schools, community groups and daycares have been learning about the benefits of environmental stewardship and sustainable food, thanks to a provincial partnership with the Langley Environmental Partners Society that has given work experience to five people.

The five workers travelled throughout the Langley area giving workshops on sustainable agriculture and the importance of looking after watersheds that contribute to creeks, streams, oceans, lakes and rivers. They also recruited youth volunteers for various projects, including stream conservation, habitat restoration and invasive plant species removal.

The Job Creation Partnership, which wraps up today, lasted for a year. The B.C. government contributed more than $35,000 toward the project.

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 420 job seekers have benefited from work experience and more than 110 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 −

“What’s really exciting about these Community and Employer Partnerships is their diversity. Here’s an example of a partnership that’s given five people great work experience in working with youth and getting them enthused about sustainable food and the environment, which should stand them in good stead for getting full-time work.”

Langley MLA and Minister of Environment Mary Polak −

“Environmental stewardship is very important. As the MLA for Langley and the Minister of Environment, I am pleased to see a Job Creation Partnership that has provided local youth with education about taking care of our natural surroundings in the Langley area.”

Langley Environmental Partners Society interim executive director Sarah Atherton −

“In this Job Creation Partnership (JCP), we have had the opportunity to use skills from participants to help us reach and connect with youth. Several key initiatives, including the Smolt Squadron, a weekly volunteer opportunity for youth, have emerged from our JCP placement. We value the opportunity to provide real-world, hands-on skills training for participants.”

Project participant Daniel Chalcraft −

“My role as a Linking Youth and Community Coordinator at Langley Environmental Partners Society has been fantastic. Every day, I am learning something new about the environment and improving my verbal and written communication skills. It’s such a fantastic, supportive fun place to be.”

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

For more information on the Langley Environmental Partners Society: www.leps.bc.ca

Media Contacts:

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