The Cariboo Coast Chilcotin Tourism Association (CCCTA) conference and AGM is getting a boost this weekend, thanks to the organizational skills of one person getting work experience with the Quesnel Downtown Association.

The Quesnel Downtown Association, partnered with the Quesnel Community and Economic Development Corporation, is receiving nearly $20,000 in provincial Community and Employer Partnership funding to help the organization plan projects throughout the next year with the help of Larissa Mueller, the project participant. In addition to helping to plan the CCCTA welcome reception today at Hallis Lake, Larissa is gaining skills in office administration, research and project management.

She will also help write an event planning guide and plan a mural for the Quesnel Downtown Association’s 25th anniversary in the new year, as well as an anniversary logo. Larissa will also plan a two-day itinerary for visitors to Quesnel who arrive on the Rocky Mountaineer train and have traditionally stayed one night. A database of successful outdoor events and street activities will also be created.

This project is slated to wrap up in April and 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 –

“Getting solid, lasting, effective work experience is what these Job Creation Partnerships are all about. Larissa is getting good experience in event planning and office administration, which should help her secure a good job in the future.”

Coralee Oakes, MLA for Cariboo North –

“Quesnel will benefit from this Job Creation Partnership: from the help in organizing the opening reception of the tourism association to creating an event-planning guide for local organizations. It also ensures that the Quesnel Downtown Association is well prepared to celebrate its 25th anniversary. This partnership is sure to have a lasting impact.”

Charlene Lawrence, executive director, Quesnel Downtown Association –

“We are excited to be part of the Job Creation Partnership. Larissa is gaining valuable event planning skills, administrative training and networking opportunities, while the Quesnel Downtown Association (QDA) is greatly benefiting from the funding by allowing us to produce an events manual and helping us plan for the QDA’s 25th anniversary celebrations, to name just a couple.”

Larissa Mueller, project participant –

“This project to me is a way to gain experience and training in a field I would like to continue to learn and grow in, and to hopefully one day make a career from it. It will benefit me by expanding my knowledge and help me network to find a full-time position.”

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 Quesnel Downtown Association: http://www.downtownquesnel.com/

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/