To help mature workers in Prince Rupert get the training and support they need for future jobs, the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia will provide more than $238,000 to Northwest Community College to deliver the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOW) program.

A total of 24 workers from Prince Rupert will benefit from two training intakes. The first intake started this month and will finish in July while the second intake will start in October and finish in December.

The TIOW training in Prince Rupert supports B.C.’s Community Transition Services efforts and is a direct response to the anticipated job impact from the closure of the Canadian Fishing Company (Canfisco) cannery in 2015. B.C.’s Community Transition Services team has been working closely with community leaders and service providers including the Northwest Community College to provide training opportunities as well as support to impacted workers.

TIOW is a successful cost-shared initiative between the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia. The provincial and federal governments launched the TIOW program in 2007 to assist vulnerable communities that are facing labour force adjustments due to changes in the local economy. The program provides skills training and employment support to unemployed older workers ages 55 to 64 so they can pursue longer-term jobs, or further education or career training. This program not only benefits participants, but will help local employers and their region as well, as they gain the skilled workers they need to transform their economy.

Each TIOW program is based on the unique demographics and economic outlook of the region. Because of this tailored approach to content and delivery, this program has been very well received by both participants and employers. Since 2007, the TIOW has helped more than 4,300 participants, the majority of whom found employment or pursued further education after the program.

Quotes:

Shirley Bond, British Columbia Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour –

“It has been a difficult and stressful time for Prince Rupert residents who were employed at the Canfisco cannery. The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers training is one of the ways we’re leveraging the training programs we have with the federal government to support communities undergoing economic transitions. Our Community Transition team will continue to work with municipal representatives, the workers and their families to overcome this challenging period.” 

Justin Kohlman, vice president, Education, Student and International, Northwest Community College –

“Northwest Community College supports students at all stages of their academic. This is a great opportunity to use our workforce training strengths to support these life-long learners and the regional needs of Prince Rupert.”

Quick Facts:

• B.C.'s Community Transition Team provides support for resource-based communities experiencing significant job loss impacts – such as a result of the closure or downsizing of the community’s primary employer or industry.
• Canada and B.C. have committed approximately $10.4 million to deliver the TIOW program from 2014 to 2017.
• The TIOW program is for participants in small communities of 250,000 or less that are experiencing high unemployment, significant downsizing/closures, unfulfilled employer demand, and/or skills mismatches.
• Since TIOW’s launch in 2007, more than 4,300 individuals have been assisted in B.C. to date.
• The B.C. Labour Market Outlook indicates that, by 2024, there will be nearly one million job openings in B.C. due to the growing economy and anticipated retirements. Eight out of ten of these openings will require post-secondary education or trades training.

Learn More:

Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOW): https://www.workbc.ca/Employment-Services/BC-Labour-Market-Programs-(JTST)/TIOW.aspx

Community Transition Services: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/economic-development/developing-your-community/services/community-transition-services

OECD international Local Economic and Employment Development (LEED) study —The Canadian Targeted Initiative for Older Workers in Fort St. James, British Columbia: http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/industry-and-services/local-economic-strategies-for-ageing-labour-markets_5jrnwqk5d4f7-en

British Columbia’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: https://www.workbc.ca/Training-Education/B-C-s-Skills-for-Jobs-Blueprint.aspx

B.C. Labour Market Outlook 2024: https://www.workbc.ca/labour-market-information/b-c-s-economy/reports.aspx