Ten people are getting valuable experience in the tourism sector with the Little Shuswap Lake Indian Band as it continues to expand its business base and hospitality industry, thanks to a partnership with the provincial government, worth more than $124,000.

The training is taking place at the Little Shuswap Lake band’s Quaaout Resort and Conference Centre where participants are learning about customer service, getting computer training, bartending skills, safety orientation and First Aid training, as well as instruction on facilitating cultural events.

Workers will take 16 weeks of occupational skills training, nine weeks of on-the-job training and two weeks of job search skills training to prepare for work in hospitality, tourism and accommodation in the Shuswap area. The seven-month-long project is expected to wrap up in late May.

Project-Based Labour Market Training helps groups of people with on- or off-the-job employment training and is a component of Community and Employer Partnerships, which were introduced in April 2012 as part of the Employment Program of BC.

To date, more than 500 job seekers have benefited from work experience and 130 projects have been funded throughout the province.

Quotes:

Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation Don McRae −

“Training a group of workers for launching careers in the tourism and hospitality industry in the Shuswap area is a great fit. When this project wraps up, these workers will be ready to hit the ground running, just in time for the tourism season.”

Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone −

“This Project-Based Labour Market Training will provide some well-trained, keen new workers to help benefit the tourism and hospitality sector in the Chase area.”

Little Shuswap Lake Indian Band manager Stewart Adamson −

“The opportunity for the Little Shuswap Lake Indian Band to work in partnership with the provincial government to enhance the skills of First Nations individuals is a boon for us. We own and operate Quaaout Resort and Conference Centre and are always looking for trained First Nations peoples ready to step into the careers we provide, with their skills nurtured and eager to work.”

Participant Geoff −

“I am enjoying this course. It will give me a wider skill set and sense of how to deal with people in the business aspect. The certificates we receive will help me build up my skills and resume.”

Participant Val −

“I am glad I am getting the skills and certificates that I need to further my life.”

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, such as Aboriginal people.
• 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
• Crown corporations
• 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

Media Contacts:

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