Up to 24 people will be trained as dietary aides and help ensure people in long-term care facilities receive the nutrition they need to stay healthy, thanks to $132,000 in government funding for the Aboriginal Agricultural Education Society of British Columbia.

Trainees will receive 10 weeks of occupational skills classroom training in nutrition, First Aid level one, Serving it Right, food safety and computer skills. This is followed by six weeks of on-the-job work experience with local employers and a minimum of two weeks of follow-up job search supports.

Dietary aides work in settings such as care facilities, hospitals and retirement homes. They have an important role in helping to prepare and deliver meals so that people receive nutritious, healthy food. The first intake of participants began their training in May, and a second group of 12 will start in August. The local WorkBC Employment Services Centre is recruiting eligible participants for the second phase of this project. The project wraps up in January 2016.

This project is funded through Community and Employer Partnerships, which were introduced in April 2012 as part of the Employment Program of BC.

B.C. is reaching a tipping point where more people are leaving the workforce than people entering it. That is why government is taking action now to address this rapidly changing labour market. One year ago, government created B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint to ensure more British Columbians have the skills they need to be first in line for in-demand jobs in B.C.'s diverse, strong and growing economy.

The Community and Employer Partnerships program is featured in B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint and provides more support to people who are struggling to gain a foothold in the job market. It helps build stronger partnerships with industry and labour to connect British Columbians with classroom and on-the-job training, while making it easier for employers to hire the skilled workers they need - when and where they need them.

To date, more than 700 job seekers have benefited from work experience and more than 150 projects have been funded throughout the province.

Quotes:

Michelle Stilwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation -

“Good nutrition is important for all British Columbians, whether it`s a high-performance athlete, or a senior in a care home.This training program will give participantsan opportunity to pursue a new careerthat makes a real difference in people’s lives.”

Terry Lake, Minister of Health and MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson -

“Dietary aides are such an important part of the health-care system as they help prepare meals and help ensure that people are getting the nutrition that they need to stay healthy. This Community and Employer Partnership will benefit Kamloops long-term care facilities as there will be two groups of well-trained dietary aides moving into the workforce.”

Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson -

“Kamloops is really going to benefit from having 24 well-trained dietary aides coming into the workforce. Project-Based Labour Market Training benefits communities like Kamloops because it takes groups of people, gets them trained and gives them supports to get into good jobs.”

Trevor Kempthorne, Aboriginal Agricultural Education Society of BC (AAES) program manager -

“AAES appreciates the support Minister Lake has shown for our organization and our programs over the years, including our newest training program for dietary aides. The B.C. government’s financial support for this program provides our participants with the required skills and certifications to gain employment as dietary aides.”

Kathryn Mackenzie, project participant -

“The investment in the dietary aide program has provided us with training, which has given us a competitive edge in the job market, and the skills we need to be an asset in our community.”

Quick Facts:

• In 2015-16, 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 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

Who is eligible?

• 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

For more information on the Aboriginal Agricultural Education Society of BC: https://www.facebook.com/aaesbc

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 on B.C.'s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: www.workbc.ca/skills

To find out more about the BC Jobs Plan: www.engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/

Media Contacts:

Maryann Anderson
Communications, Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation
250 387-6490