Craig was stuck in a seasonal work cycle and wanted to find full time regular work. He had applied at a trailer manufacturer in Chilliwack several times, but never received a call back. But, just last summer, after completing a provincial employment training program with Mussell Crane Manufacturing, Craig applied again and was hired immediately.

Craig found regular employment following a 16-week Project-Based Labour Market Training program in heavy industrial manufacturing at Mussell Crane.

The on-the-job training program helped Craig update his skills and certification, and provided him with a four-week work experience term with his future employer. The first-aid certification Craig earned through the program has made him an asset – he is one of few people on staff with the certification and has been appointed to the company’s Joint Safety Committee.

“Prior to the training program, I was stuck in a seasonal job with no potential for advancement,” Craig said. “Now, my starting wage is more than the manager at my previous job, with room to increase.”

Craig isn’t the only one who found success through the program. Eleven of the first 12 participants are now working at a range of local businesses, including metal working and steel fabrication shops, and a portable shelter manufacturer. A second intake with 12 people is now underway. A third group will start Nov. 9.

The trainees receive 10 weeks of employability and occupational skills training at the University of the Fraser Valley, four weeks of on-the-job work experience at local employers and two weeks followup support to prepare for jobs as heavy industrial manufacturing and operations.

“The blend of life skills, classroom instruction, industry certifications and hands-on work experience in the program prepares participants for re-entering the workforce,” says Mussell Crane training manager Heather Crawford. “When you match the right participant with the right work experience placement, it often results in a job at the end of the program.”

The program was funded through the Community and Employer Partnerships program, a part of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint that provides additional support to people who are struggling to gain a foothold in the job market. To date, more than 800 job seekers have benefited from work experience at nearly 180 projects throughout the province.

Project-Based Labour Market Training projects are just one way government is taking action to address the rapidly changing labour market. The B.C. Skills for Jobs Blueprint ensures 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.

Quick Facts:

• The B.C. government has invested more than $18.6 million in Community and Employer Partnerships since April 2012.
• In 2015-16, the Ministry of Social Development has committed to investing $331 million in employment and labour market programs under the Employment Program of BC.
• The Employment Program of BC, launched in April 2012, 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

Learn More:

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

For more information on Mussell Crane Manufacturing Training Program: http://workplacetrainingbc.com/government-programs

To find a local WorkBC Employment Services Centre: www.workbccentres.ca

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