Up to 60 Aboriginal and immigrant residents of Vancouver will receive the training they need for jobs in the community, thanks to the federal-provincial partnership under the Canada-B.C. Job Fund Agreement.

Approximately $165,000 has been allocated to the Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society (ACCESS) to deliver the Building Service Worker training program.

The training project provides Aboriginal and immigrant participants with building-cleaner training and certificates for employment in the cleaning industry.

Training dates vary with several intakes delivered between September 2016 and February 2017.

This training project is part of an investment of more than $12 million for 49 training projects benefiting about 2,000 British Columbians throughout the province, thanks to funding provided through the Canada-B.C. Job Fund Agreement under the Employer-Sponsored Training stream.

The skills training projects support B.C.’s regional labour-market demands and provide opportunities to youth, women, persons with disabilities, Aboriginal people, immigrants and other eligible participants to receive 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-B.C. Job Fund helps ensure training programs give individuals the skills to enter and succeed in the job market. The Employer-Sponsored Training stream provides funding for project-based, time-limited, employer-driven training that leads to a job at the end of training. This includes targeted projects delivered by Aboriginal 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:

Sam Sullivan, MLA for Vancouver-False Creek –

“We are expecting nearly one million job openings in B.C. in the next 10 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. This training project will help Aboriginals and new arrivals in Canada gain valuable skills and pursue careers in their communities.”

John Webster, CEO, Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society –

“The Building Service Worker program provides opportunity for participants to become certified in the commercial cleaning industry. Through this program, trainees gain hands-on experience, earn 10 industry recognized certifications and develop resumes and cover letters, leading to securing employment with industry partners.”

Lea Leroux, employee relations/liaison, National Building Maintenance Ltd. –

“National Building Maintenance (NBM) has been providing fine cleaning and full maintenance service since 1959. Our relationship with the ACCESS program is continuing to grow and we have successfully hired and placed close to 10 graduates this year. We found that with minimal coaching they adjust very well to the high standards NBM is known for.”

Jerri Morrick, operations manager, First United Church, Vancouver –

“The training at ACCESS is hugely impactful to the community of the Downtown Eastside. When I look to fill available employment opportunities, I always connect with the program co-ordinators at ACCESS to see when their next graduates will be available, and interview from those graduates first. I currently have two graduates employed for almost one year now and couldn’t be happier with their work ethic, knowledge and the positive attitude they bring to the workplace every day.”

Quick Facts:

• B.C. is expecting almost one million job openings by 2025.
• Up to 596,400 job openings are expected in the Lower Mainland/Southwest region by 2025.
• Two-thirds of B.C.’s job openings will be from retirements and one-third from economic growth.
• Almost 80% of job openings in B.C. will require post-secondary education.
• The B.C. government invests more than $7.8 billion each year in education and training.
• Through B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, $3 billion in training investments will be redirected to in-demand jobs over the next 10 years.

Learn More:

Canada Job Fund: http://www.esdc.gc.ca/eng/jobs/training_agreements/cjf/index.shtml   

British Columbia’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint:  https://www.workbc.ca/skills 

B.C. Labour Market Outlook 2025: https://www.workbc.ca/Labour-Market-Information/B-C-s-Economy/Reports.aspx