The governments of Canada and British Columbia announced today that 32 companies in Prince George will receive over $470,000 in funding to provide skills training to 329 employees through the Canada Job Grant.

The announcement was made today by Shirley Bond, British Columbia Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour; along with Member of Parliament Bob Zimmer on behalf of the Honourable Pierre Poilievre, Minister of Employment and Social Development.

Bond and Zimmer also highlighted Yellowhead Helicopters Ltd. who is receiving over $248,800 to train 67 employees in the areas of management, field maintenance, advanced operations training, engine and flying courses. Yellowhead employs 116 people in B.C. and has been providing commercial helicopter service since 1975.

The Canada Job Grant is an innovative, employer-driven approach to help Canadians gain the skills and training they need to fill available jobs. It is designed to be flexible enough to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes, in all industries and regions. By requiring employers to invest in training costs, the Canada Job Grant will result in training that leads to available jobs.

The Canada Job Grant provides two-thirds of the total training cost for an employee, up to $10,000 per person, covering tuition/training fees, mandatory student fees, textbooks, software and other required training materials, and examination fees.

The Canada Job Grant helps employers participate meaningfully as partners in the skills training system and share in the associated costs. This will ensure that training is better aligned with job opportunities, particularly in sectors facing skills mismatches and labour shortages.

To date, over 7,300 workers in British Columbia are receiving training through the Canada-B.C. Job Grant, and over 1,400 employers have been approved for funding to train new or current employees.

https://www.facebook.com/BCJobsPlan/posts/10153295951393241

Quotes:

Bob Zimmer, Member of Parliament for Prince George – Peace River –

“The Canada Job Grant will help workers in British Columbia get the skills they need to fill available jobs in today’s economy. This is great news for workers and their families across British Columbia. I encourage all local employers to consider their current and future skills needs and apply for a Canada Job Grant to help train new or current employees for available jobs.”

Shirley Bond, B.C. Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour –

“A skilled workforce is fundamental to keeping B.C.’s economy diverse, strong and growing. By helping employers invest in their workers, we are providing new and better job opportunities for people in Prince George. The opportunity Yellowhead Helicopters is providing its employees is a great example of how the Canada–B.C. Job Grant is helping local workers get the skills and training they need to fill those jobs.”

Mike Morris, MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie –

“B.C. is reaching a tipping point with fewer young people entering the workforce than older people leaving it. That’s why it is important that we take steps now to meet the needs of a rapidly-changing labour market. The Canada-B.C. Job Grant is a key program that will provide training for British Columbians so they can find their fit in our diverse, strong and growing economy.”

Erin Forsberg, Yellowhead Helicopters Ltd. –

“The Canada-BC Job Grant has allowed us to be able to meet and exceed our training requirements, not only allowing current employees opportunities for advancement but allowing us to be able to hire new employees as well. It has played a major role in our company growth and workplace moral as we are now able to provide employees with the training and courses they need to move forward with their careers.”

Quick Facts:

• By 2017–18, a total of approximately $300 million per year will be invested nationally in the Canada Job Grant.
• More than 78% of forecasted job demand will require some form of post-secondary education, 44% of which will need a college education or apprenticeship training.
• Yellowhead Helicopters Ltd. is receiving over $248,800 from the Canada Job Grant to train 67 employees in the areas of management, field maintenance, advanced operations training, engine and flying courses.

Learn More:

To learn more about the Canada Job Grant Program for British Columbia, visit: https://www.workbc.ca/canadabcjobgrant