As the communities of Wells and Barkerville get ready to host the Northern Exposure Conference, two people from Wells have been getting work experience in arts and culture administration with the Island Mountain Arts Society.

Amanda Woods and Leila Sumi helped organize the conference, gaining skills in research, website management and database management. They also helped recruit volunteers for the conference, which runs from Oct. 9 – 11, 2015. The pair is also developing a “how-to” manual for the creation of future arts conferences in northern rural communities. The six-month project is scheduled to wrap up in early December 2015.

The Island Mountain Arts Society received $10,500 from the Province to help Amanda and Leila get this on-the-job work experience. 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.

The Northern Exposure Conference provides support, professional development and networking for rural arts creators, producers, presenters, animators and administrators in order to spark inspiration, exchange knowledge, learn new skills, and develop partnerships.

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 –

“Amanda Woods and Leila Sumi are getting the kind of hands-on experience that will give them a solid start to their future careers. The Province supports projects like this in communities across B.C. to help people get work experience, while benefitting the communities in which they are held in a myriad of ways.”

Coralee Oakes, MLA for Cariboo North, Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction –

“The arts and culture sector is such an important part of B.C.’s strong, diverse economy. This Community and Employer Partnership is giving work experience to two people who are gaining experience in the arts and culture sector. The arts and culture manual that Amanda and Leila are producing will have a positive impact on the community, giving the area a blueprint for hosting similar events in the future.”

Julie Fowler, executive director, Island Mountain Arts –

“This program provided a great opportunity for Island Mountain Arts to deliver a new project, the Northern Exposure Conference, which will bring together rural arts and culture organizers from the Central Interior and beyond. It also gives us a chance to help two local residents build their skills and get work experience. The conference will have a great impact on the development of the arts and culture industry in our region and provide an economic impact on the community of Wells, with almost 100 people descending on the town for a weekend. This project will leave a lasting legacy for our organization and our community.”

Amanda Woods, project participant –

“This program has been an amazing experience. Being involved with an organization such as Island Mountain Arts, dedicated to the development of arts and culture in the region and beyond, has allowed me to experience, firsthand, the impact that the arts has on a community. This opportunity has allowed me to develop a unique skill set and create new possibilities for my future.”

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 of the Island Mountain Arts Society and the Northern Exposure Arts conference: www.imarts.com

To see participants of the project, click here: https://flic.kr/p/zwZ52S

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/