A cutting-edge international car sharing conference is rolling into Vancouver this week, providing work experience for four people, thanks to nearly $51,500 in Community and Employer Partnership government funding.

The program participants are helping to organize the CSA Carsharing Association conference that runs Sept. 22 and 23 at UBC Robson Square. They will gain skills and work experience in event planning, marketing, promotions and volunteer recruitment.

The conference is attracting civic leaders and public transit representatives from around the globe who will share best practices and success stories of turning shared-use mobility into transportation policy framework. Carsharing operators will share service quality experiences. Technology leaders will give their views about how electric cars, bikes and scooters have the potential to deliver quieter and cleaner mobility. The 22-week project wraps up in late October once the participants complete an assessment of the conference.

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

Government is taking action to address the rapidly changing labour market. Government created the B.C. 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, the program has helped more than 800 job seekers benefit from work experience and funded nearly 180 projects throughout the province.

Quotes:

Michelle Stilwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation –

“This project will give all four people valuable work experience in event management. The Ministry has funded nearly 180 Community and Employment Partnership projects that help people gain the skills they need to participate in today’s job market.”

Sam Sullivan, MLA for Vancouver-False Creek –

“Hosting the CSA Carsharing Association conference is such a boon for Vancouver, bringing together international experts to discuss and promote the awareness of the benefits of carsharing and other ecological and economical modes of sustainable transportation.”

Alan Woodland, executive director, CSA Carsharing Association –

“Conference and event planning is a growing industry in B.C. Job Creation Partnership program participants are getting exposure to all aspects of planning and management of a major event. The experience of working on the carsharing conference will develop skills that event management companies and conference planners are looking for when they hire new staff.”

Phil Baudin, chair, CSA Carsharing Association –

“The Vancouver carsharing conference is a gathering of local city officials, public transit officials and international new mobility leaders. Vancouver has as a well-developed carsharing network, and bringing visitors to our city to talk about the future of mobility is important for everyone.”

Project participant –

“This experience will be helpful as I look for new work opportunities.”

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?

• 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

For more information on the CSA Car Sharing Conference: conference.carsharing.org

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/