Five B.C. communities are examining future labour market needs as a result of more than $400,000 in government funding.

This includes a project with the Community Social Planning Council of Greater Victoria, which is receiving $113,800 for a regional waste and resource labour market study and a project with the Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce, worth close to $16,000.

The Victoria social planning council labour market study will determine the employment needs of two green sectors in the capital region: green construction and retrofits, and waste management. The 50-week partnership will wrap up at the end of January and will conclude with a report and action plan to make it easier for people with barriers to employment to get a job in the green employment sector. Public events and workshops will be held to share information.

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Other ongoing labour market studies are underway in Kamloops, Sicamous and Greater Victoria.

A Kamloops-based study worth nearly $118,000 will provide a current analysis and forecast of labour demand that will include the energy and forestry sectors. The final report will include detailed labour market information and a human resource strategy which will inform the communities throughout the region.

Sicamous is receiving more than $69,000 so Community Futures Shuswap can identify and address factors that contribute to any labour market imbalance regarding workforce supply and demand along with current and emerging labour market trends. The data will be used to develop strategies and define an action plan.

A second labour market study has been done in Greater Victoria with the WestShore Chamber of Commerce. With $104,000 in provincial funding, the study projects labour market needs and recommend training and other labour-market development activities needed to meet workforce demand for the next 10 years in Greater Victoria.

Labour Market Partnerships are a component of the Employment Program of BC’s Community and Employer Partnerships fund for projects that share labour market information and increase employability throughout the province. Each year, the ministry budgets $1 million for Labour Market Partnerships.

Quotes:

Michelle Stilwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation –

"Partnerships between government and community are integral to the success of local labour markets because they expose skill gaps and help identify employment opportunities. Funding for the study of labour market trends will help B.C. communities develop their own individual strategies to create an action plan to address workforce supply and demand moving into the future.”

Rupert Downing, executive director, Community Social Planning Council of Greater Victoria –

“This project is helping to create jobs in innovative recycling industries that reduce waste while offering career pathways to people with barriers to labour market progress. It’s about creating triple bottom line results for Vancouver Island.”

Tom Thomson, executive director, Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce –

“The research being completed with the assistance of this Labour Market Partnership is of great importance to the Chamber of Commerce and the Nelson and Area Economic Development Partnership. During the business retention and expansion interviews, we will be looking to identify labour market gaps, and uncover skills development and training opportunities that may be required. This data will go a long way in helping to address issues that Nelson and area employers deal with in filling positions within labour market sectors.”

Quick Facts:

• Communities to be included in the Venture Kamloops labour market study are 100 Mile House, Ashcroft, Barriere, Blue River, Cache Creek, Chase, Clearwater, Clinton, Lone Butte, Kamloops, Logan Lake, Lytton, Merritt, McBride, Sun Peaks and Valemount.
• Labour Market Partnerships help local employers, employee and employer associations, and communities develop ways to deal with worker shortages or changes in the job market so they can prepare for the future.
• Projects that provide opportunities for people who are often disadvantaged in the workforce, such as people with disabilities, Aboriginal people and youth, are encouraged.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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:

To read the WestShore Chamber of Commerce labour market report, click here: http://westshore.bc.ca/business-training/

For more information on Community and Employer Partnerships: www.workbc.ca/CEP

For more information on B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: www.workbc.ca/skills

Learn more about the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation: www.gov.bc.ca/sdsi

Learn more about the Employment Programs of BC: http://www.sdsi.gov.bc.ca/programs/epbc/index.htm

Find a local WorkBC Employment Services Centre: www.workbccentres.ca