Thompson Rivers University (TRU) and the University of Northern B.C. are working in partnership with four Aboriginal communities to deliver four education and skills training programs to 67 Aboriginal learners.

Program graduates will be eligible for jobs such as language support workers, human service workers and health care translators.

The four programs are receiving a total of $320,078 through the Aboriginal Community-Based Training Partnerships program in 2015-16.

46% of the Aboriginal population in B.C. are under 25 and increasing their participation in the workforce is important to supporting a diverse, strong and growing economy.

The $320,078 for the four Aboriginal Community-Based Training Partnerships includes $113,017 from the Ministry of Advanced Education and $207,061 from the Employment Services and Supports (ESS) stream of the Canada-B.C. Job Fund Agreement.

A total of 348 proposals for funding from 135 individual organizations were submitted to the B.C. government for ESS funding by the application deadline in April. In 2015-16, a total of $36.4 million was provided to the province for all ESS programs, including the Aboriginal Community-Based Training Partnerships programs and programs available through the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training.

The Canada Job Fund helps ensure training programs give individuals the skills to enter and succeed in the job market. The goal of ESS is to increase the labour market participation of British Columbians by assisting them to prepare for entry to, or return to, sustainable employment.

The programs support the BC Jobs Plan, B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, and the Aboriginal Post-Secondary Education and Training Policy Framework and Action Plan (Aboriginal Framework).

Quotes:

Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson –

“Aboriginal learners can now complete their education or training within their own communities. Skilled workers will be able to secure jobs in sectors that support families as well as economic and social growth in our communities.”

Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister and MLA for Nechako Lakes John Rustad –

“Aboriginal people are the fastest growing and youngest population in B.C. Working to ensure their participation in the economy is important in meeting the skill needs of employers throughout B.C.”

Cariboo North MLA Coralee Oakes –

“These community-based programs support Aboriginal learners who are needed to keep our communities strong and growing. They will graduate ready to find employment and support local industries.”

Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett –

“These training and education programs will help Aboriginal people in the region access job opportunities that are the result of retirements and economic growth.”

University of Northern British Columbia president Dr. Daniel Weeks –

"Supporting enhanced educational opportunities for Aboriginal learners is a priority for the University of Northern British Columbia. Having the opportunity to offer that programming across the region we serve is significant. We commend the Province of British Columbia for its investment in this community-building enterprise."

Thompson Rivers University president Dr. Alan Shaver –

“TRU has a long tradition of delivering language, adult basic education, job readiness and trades training to First Nations communities from our campuses and directly with First Nation partners in their home communities.  We are pleased to be able to continue meeting the programing needs of these communities and to support the economic sustainability of the region and the province.”

Learn More:

BC Jobs Plan and Aboriginal Peoples and First Nations: http://ow.ly/V4B0P

B.C. 2024 Labour Market Outlook: http://ow.ly/V4B5D

B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: http://ow.ly/XBDsv

Canada-B.C. Job Fund Agreement: http://ow.ly/XBlna

Aboriginal Framework: http://ow.ly/V5rVn

A backgrounder follows.