The City of Penticton is commissioning a labour market study to investigate the South Okanagan’s workforce needs, strengths and opportunities, thanks to $71,300 in government Community and Employer Partnership funding.

The announcement was made at Slimline Manufacturing, a Penticton-based firm that builds multiple agricultural application systems and environmentally-friendly industrial waste disposal equipment that is distributed around the world.

With the provincial funding, the City of Penticton has hired a consulting firm to survey a minimum of 100 employers in order to better understand emerging labour market trends in the South Okanagan and identify barriers to attracting and retaining skilled labour. In addition to the survey, and with direction from a steering committee of local stakeholders, the consulting firm will also host two focus groups with small business owners and conduct a number of in-depth interviews with some of the area’s largest employers.

From this data, a three year-strategy will be developed with recommendations and an action plan that will help support local industries and the community.

There will be community presentations to share the findings of the labour market strategy report before the project wraps up at the end of March.

Labour Market Partnerships are a component of the Employment Program of BC’s (EPBC) Community and Employer Partnerships fund for projects that share labour market information and increase employability throughout the province. They were introduced with the EPBC in April 2012.

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.

(flickr.com)

Quotes:

Michelle Stilwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation –

“A strong, diverse provincial economy starts with our communities. This study will identify labour market gaps and future opportunities that will help local businesses and employees while supporting long-term economic development planning in the area. It’s an investment in our collective future and the province is pleased to be a funding partner in the project.”

Dan Ashton, MLA for Penticton –

“This Labour Market Partnership will pinpoint strengths and opportunities in Penticton and the South Okanagan’s labour market. It will provide a blueprint and action plan for the next three years for employers and industry to follow.”

Andrew Jakubeit, mayor, City of Penticton -

“Penticton employers compete in national and international markets, and require the right skills and people to be successful. The labour market study will allow us to understand labour needs, identify challenges with recruitment and develop retention solutions for Penticton and the region. The City of Penticton is grateful the Province of British Columbia has agreed to the study and three-year labour market program, and looks forward to collaborating with the entire South Okanagan as we collectively address this strategic issue.”

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.
• The Community and Employer Partnerships program is featured as a component of the B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint. The Blueprint 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:

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

For more information on the City of Penticton: www.penticton.ca

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