The Tofino Volunteer Fire Department is sparking some key work experience for five local people as they work on updating and refurbishing the local fire hall as a result of provincial Job Creation Partnership with the Community Fisheries Development Centre.

The 29-week project will result in an up-to-date refurbished fire hall, which will continue to serve the Tofino area. Participants are receiving emergency first aid training, power saw operator safety training, as well as instruction and experience in general construction techniques. One worker from the project has already found work and is now employed at a local lumber yard.

The project, which is being overseen by the Community Fisheries Development Centre, is scheduled to wrap up on June 15, 2015, and is receiving nearly $69,000 in provincial funding.

The 1940s-era facility, which is three buildings joined together, is being renovated to make the building more efficient for the volunteer firefighters. A new shower area and locker room is being built so firefighters can store their gear and clean up after a blaze without having to go outside, as was the case up until the renovations began. Firefighters will also have access to the truck bays without going outside as new doors are being cut between the bays on the inside of the building. New drywall will be installed throughout and the walls of the building will also be painted inside and out. A rear staircase is also being replaced.

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 500 job seekers have benefited from work experience and 130 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 -

“This Tofino fire hall renovation Community Employer Partnership project is a win-win project. Workers are getting great experience in the latest construction skills and techniques that they can use in future jobs in the building trades. Meanwhile, the Tofino community is getting an updated fire hall that provides protection for its citizens and visitors alike.”

Community Fisheries Development Centre project manager Bob Grant -

“All four participants are enthusiastically taking ownership of the project and learning new skills at the same time. They’ve done an excellent job in refurbishing the fire hall that will be a real asset to the community when completed.”

Participant Bert Brown -

“The project is a great learning experience. It’s given me valuable work experience that will help me out in the long run back in my community of Opitsaht.”

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
• 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