As tourism continues to heat up and the North continues to ramp up job opportunities, the B.C. government is again partnering with the Canadian Vocational Training Centre to train up to 10 people in the hospitality industry.

The Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation is investing more than $110,000 in the second Room Keys project, which gives people training and on-the-job work experience at Prince George-area hotels and motels. This is in addition to more than $104,000 invested last year in the first Room Keys project, for a total of more than $214,000.

Over the course of the project, the trainees will get 18 weeks of employability and occupational skills training in the classroom and six weeks of on-the-job work experience with local hotels to prepare them for employment in the hotel and motel sector. Participants will learn about customer service, get Serving it Right training, food and beverage service training and World Host customer-service certification. This second Room Keys project is scheduled to wrap up in mid-June.

Last year, six of the seven people who participated in the first Room Keys project found jobs in the local hotel industry.

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

To date, nearly 560 job seekers have benefited from work experience and nearly 140 projects have been funded throughout the province.

Quotes:

Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation Michelle Stilwell −

“The second phase of Room Keys with the Canadian Vocational Training Centre is a testament to the benefits of Community and Employer Partnerships. I am proud to say almost all those who took part in the first Project-Based Labour Market Training project have quickly found employment in the hospitality industry for which they were trained.”

Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond −

“As a key sector in the BC Jobs Plan, tourism has a critical role to play in our strong, diverse and growing economy. With this second phase of funding, the Room Keys project will deliver further training opportunities and provide participants with the skills they need to find employment in the tourism sector.”

Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Mike Morris −

“We need skilled workers in tourism and hospitality in the Prince George area. As the economy continues to grow, so will the need for these jobs to welcome tourists and workers alike and make them feel at home away from home.”

Canadian Vocational Training Centre president Cal Purcell −

“We are so happy to be able to provide the hospitality training program called Room Keys to unemployed people in and around Prince George. This type of program allows individuals an opportunity to be trained and employed in the fast-growing hospitality industry. With partners like the Northern BC Tourism Association, the Ramada-Prince George, and the provincial government, the Room Keys program is an ideal way to ensure we have a highly trained and skilled workforce for the hospitality and tourism industry.”

Participant Maeve −

“I am so excited to be in school and to plan every day for success. I am learning so much. Thank you for this opportunity to start a new life and for the education, which is so fulfilling.”

Participant Brian −

“This is the place to be and to learn, to learn new ideas and to put them to work.”

Quick Facts:

• In 2015-16, the ministry has committed to investing $330.5 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 84 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
• 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.

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 Job Creation Partnerships and 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

For more information on the Canadian Vocational Centre:  vocationaltrainingcentre.com

Media Contacts:

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