Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation
Over 1,370 British Columbians across the province are receiving the training they need for jobs in their communities thanks to the federal and provincial partnership under the Canada Job Fund.
The Honourable Maryann Mihychuk, Federal Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, along with Shirley Bond, British Columbia Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour announced today that contracts for 46 targeted skills-training programs have been finalized. Many of the programs are now underway and will be finished in March 2016. Today at the Parliament Buildings in Victoria, Minister Shirley Bond, Parliamentary Secretary Greg Kyllo, along with representatives from Camosun College and Chemistry Consulting, highlighted one of the programs, Multi-Industry Skills Training, that is being delivered in Victoria and Vancouver.
These training programs represent an investment of more than $10.3 million from the Canada – British Columbia Job Fund Agreement under the Employer-Sponsored Training stream. These training programs support B.C.’s regional labour market demands and provide opportunities to youth, women, Indigenous people, immigrants and other eligible participants to receive skills training as well as industry recognized certificates or credentials.
Through the Canada Job Fund, the Government of Canada provides $500 million annually to the provinces and territories for investments in skills training. Under the Canada – British Columbia Job Fund Agreement, the province receives a total of $65 million per year – its per capita share of the available funding.
The Canada Job Fund helps ensure training programs give individuals the skills to enter and succeed in the job market. Through the Employer-Sponsored Training stream, funding supports project-based, time-limited, employer-driven training that leads to a job at the end of training. This includes targeted programs offered by Indigenous service providers, post-secondary institutions, industry associations, community groups, and private trainers that meet regional labour market needs. Employers also provide either financial or in-kind contributions to support the training.
Quotes:
Maryann Mihychuk, Federal Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour –
“Hard work and dedication – that is the Canadian way. This is a great example of how Canadian organizations are working hard and getting the opportunity and the funds to train and develop their employees. The Canada Job Fund is an excellent resource for Canadian organizations and we are committed to expanding these intergovernmental agreements.”
Shirley Bond, British Columbia Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour –
“We are expecting nearly one million job openings in British Columbia in the next ten years due to retirements and economic growth and it is important that British Columbians have the skills and training they need for these future openings. These training programs will help many British Columbians create paths to successful careers. Investment in skills training is critical to keeping our economy diverse, strong and growing.”
Olaf Nielsen, chair of trades development & special projects, Camosun College –
“The Multi Industry Skills Training program was developed by four partners, Chemistry Consulting, IMTARC, SkillPlan, and Camosun College, to provide participants with job-ready certifications (such as Fall Protection, First Aid, LNG Awareness, Traffic Control, etc.) and entry level skills for various workforce sectors. Those skills include: essential skills training in document use, numeracy, and reading; conflict resolution; communication skills training; and, preparing for transition to the workforce. The MIST project has worked with 72 participant students, with programs being offered in Victoria and Vancouver.”
Quick Facts:
- In the next decade, B.C. will have nearly one million job openings due to retirements and economic growth.
- Thousands of new job openings are expected in every region of British Columbia by 2024.
- Vancouver Island/Coast: 158,900 job openings
- Mainland/Southwest: 569,500 job openings
- North Coast/Nechako/Northeast and Cariboo: 57,900 job openings
- Southeast: 147,900 job openings
- Almost 8/10 of these job openings will require post-secondary education or trades training.
- The B.C. government invests over $7.5 billion each year in education and training.
- Over the next 10 years, the B.C. government will redirect $3 billion in training investments towards these in-demand jobs.
Learn More:
Canada Job Fund: http://www.esdc.gc.ca/eng/jobs/training_agreements/cjf/index.shtml
Canada Job Grant: http://www.esdc.gc.ca/eng/jobs/training_agreements/cjg/index.shtml
Canada-B.C. Job Grant: https://www.workbc.ca/canadabcjobgrant
British Columbia’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: https://www.workbc.ca/Training-Education/B-C-s-Skills-for-Jobs-Blueprint/Learn-about-Blueprint.aspx
B.C. Labour Market Outlook 2024: https://www.workbc.ca/labour-market-information/b-c-s-economy/reports.aspx
A backgrounder follows.
