Nearly 35,000 new jobs are expected in Kamloops and the regional districts of Thompson-Nicola and Fraser-Fort George by 2025, according to a regional labour market study released today.

The study, supported by more than $117,000 in government funding, looks at economic growth and workforce needs across five geographic areas: Kamloops, North, Central East, Central West and South, comprising more than 15 communities.

With the Provincial funding, Venture Kamloops hired the consulting firm, R.A. Malatest & Associates, which surveyed nearly 600 key players. They included businesses, major employers, WorkBC staff, school districts and post-secondary institutions. This was done in order to better understand emerging labour market trends in the region, workforce recruitment opportunities, skills gaps and training needs.

The most in-demand jobs that are expected in the region are for qualified and experienced tradespeople (5,200 jobs), as well as workers in healthcare (2,500), hospitality and tourism (1,100), and administration, finance and clerical staff (4,300 jobs).

Nearly half of all new hires between 2015 and 2025 will need some post-secondary education, whether it’s trade certification/college education or a university degree.

The report includes recommendations to fill skills gaps by developing a regional labour force training committee, as well as recruitment/retention strategies to attract new workers to the region and to retain those already there. Venture Kamloops and the project partners are now equipped to take action on these recommendations.

BCLC, one of the project partners, contributed $10,000. Other partners in the study include:

• Community Futures – Thompson Country
• Domtar
• Thompson Rivers University
• Thompson-Nicola Regional District
• KGHM International
• Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc
• Kinder Morgan

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. 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.

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.

Quotes:

Michelle Stilwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation –

“In order to build a diverse, strong and growing economy, you need strong local economies. This 10-year labour market study will help communities in central and northern B.C. understand their future labour market needs, which is an important part of long-term economic development planning.”

Terry Lake, MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson –

“This study is critical for planning an overall strategy in our region for the next decade. The labour market report will fuel innovation, investment, economic diversification and competitiveness in Kamloops-North Thompson and beyond.”

Todd Stone – MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson –

“We are proud that this study, with funding provided by the provincial government, will help identify strengths and opportunities in the local labour market. This will allow communities to respond by implementing a blueprint for growth that employers and industry can follow over the next 10 years.”

Colin O’Leary, manager of business retention and expansion, Venture Kamloops –

“The future prosperity of our region and the province depends on the number of people that are able to find meaningful and productive employment, which in turn leads to productivity, innovation and economic growth. This study and the support we received from the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation will enable us to better position ourselves for the future.”

Quick Facts:

• Communities that are part of the labour market are: 100 Mile House (North), Ashcroft (Central West), Barriere (North), Blue River (North), Cache Creek (Central West), Chase (Central East), Clearwater (North), Clinton (Central West), Lone Butte (North), Kamloops, Logan Lake (Central West), Lytton (South), Merritt (South), McBride (North), Sun Peaks (Central East), and Valemount (North).
• 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:

To see the Venture Kamloops labour market report: http://venturekamloops.com/vk-kamloops-labour-market-study/

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