Kamloops and Revelstoke are launching partnerships with the B.C. government to study what’s needed in the workforce in their respective communities over the next five-plus years.

Venture Kamloops is receiving more than $108,000 in Labour Market Partnership funding and has hired a consultant to look at a 10-year forecast of trends and emerging labour market issues. This includes the future needs of local employers, skills gaps, training requirements and barriers to hiring and retention.

An end-of-project report will be created by the end date of Aug. 31, 2015, that will provide a human resource strategy for the following communities: 100 Mile House, Ashcroft, Barriere, Blue River, Cache Creek, Chase, Clearwater, Clinton, Lone Butte, Kamloops, Logan Lake, Lytton, Merritt, McBride, Sun Peaks and Valemount.

The City of Revelstoke is receiving $20,000 in Labour Market Partnership funding to research labour market trends and needs in the Revelstoke area over the next five years. By the time the project ends on Feb. 27, 2015, a report will be produced that will include a detailed action plan on what jobs will be needed and how to fill those positons.

Labour Market Partnerships are a component of the Employment Program of BC’s Community and Employer Partnerships fund for projects that share labour market information and increase employability throughout the province. Labour Market Partnerships help local employers, employee and employer associations, and communities develop ways to deal with worker shortages or changes in the job market so they can prepare for the future. Projects that provide opportunities for people who are often disadvantaged in the workforce, such as Aboriginal people, people with disabilities and youth, are encouraged.

Quotes:

Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation Don McRae −

“Looking into the future to determine what communities need, and the types of workers required, is what these Labour Market Partnerships are all about. This kind of information is crucial for the future growth and health of communities and their workforces.”

MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson Todd Stone -

“These kinds of partnerships are important to B.C. communities so they can explore their labour market needs in order to figure out the best way to move forward with economic growth and jobs for local residents.”

Venture Kamloops, manager, business retention and expansion Colin O’Leary −

“The goal of this project is to help facilitate labour market development and growth by assisting industries and communities in this time of transition as new major projects come online and we adapt to an aging and retiring workforce. With this data, we hope to not only quantify the disparity between labour supply and demand, both now and in the future, but also to develop strategies to address labour market issues particularly in areas of proven high occupational demand.”

City of Revelstoke, director, community and economic development Alan Mason -

“In the City of Revelstoke, this Labour Market Partnership will enable us to plan for the future and assess our needs in the labour market. This partnership will help us see how industry, community and  workers can respond to those needs, while coming up with an action plan to fill skills and labour gaps over the next five years.”

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

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/sdsi

Media Contact:

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