Two people are gaining valuable on-the-job event planning work experience, thanks to more than $61,000 in provincial Job Creation Partnership funding.

The individuals were hired in November and December to help the Vancouver Friends For Life Society develop and deliver its 20th anniversary celebration, called Looking Back to the Future, on June 27, 2015. The work also includes updating the organization’s resource management database.

The individuals will receive 34 weeks of experience in event planning, multimedia production, computer application, office administration and staff training until the project wraps up in June.  

Job Creation Partnerships like this 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 480 job seekers have benefited from work experience, and more than 120 projects have been funded throughout the province.

The Vancouver Friends For Life Society is a non-profit organization which works to improve the wellness of individuals living with very serious illnesses, by providing complementary and alternative health and support services.

Quotes:

Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation Don McRae -

“Government is committed to helping people reach their employment goals through Job Creation Partnerships. Working with the Vancouver Friends for Life Society, these folks will have an opportunity to learn useful and transferable skills that will help strengthen their employment opportunities.”  

MLA for Vancouver-False Creek Sam Sullivan -

“It’s encouraging to see the collaborative work being done to increase employment opportunities and help unemployed British Columbians find work. This project will provide these people with skills that are in demand, such as event planning and office administration, which look great on a resume.”

Vancouver Friends For Life Foundation executive director Kim Angel -

“We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Job Creation Partnership and commend the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation for the creation of a program that will positively impact communities, individuals, businesses and organizations, such as the Vancouver Friends For Life Society.”

Project participant special events and communications coordinator Wade Hopwo -

“The JCP project has provided me the opportunity to work for an organization that fosters wellness and community solidarity, while utilizing my pre-existing knowledge, building on new skillsets and strengthening my dexterity to its full potential. It has put me in a position that will challenge me and help me grow as a person, whilst providing Friends For Life the opportunity for growth as well.”

Project participant database coordinator Angus Litgow -

“The Friends For Life Society is providing a very compassionate and rewarding service for people who really need it. I am honoured to have the chance to be a part of a pivotal moment in the development of an organization like this as it takes on this project and prepares for its 20th year. The JCP has not only enabled the Friends For Life to achieve its goals but has also provided me with an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience in my field, and I look forward to the paths that this experience will open for me in the future.”

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

For more information about the Vancouver Friends For Life Society, visit: http://ow.ly/FzdJz

For photos of the employees, visit: https://flic.kr/p/qoj7Jn

Media Contacts:

Daisy Brooke
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation
250 356-2282