Up to 14 British Columbians will receive the training they need for jobs in their communities, thanks to the federal-provincial partnership under the Canada-B.C. Job Fund Agreement.

Approximately $75,000 has been allocated to Thompson Rivers University to run the Enriched Construction Craft Worker program. 

The training project will prepare Aboriginal participants, youth and persons under-represented in the trades for construction jobs on pipeline construction, major projects and other construction-related sites. The training will involve industry-related worksite safety certifications, introduction to pipeline construction, entry-level pipeline coating as well as pipeline inspection courses. Training begins in March 2017 and will be completed by May 2017.

This training project is part of an investment of more than $12 million for 49 training projects benefiting approximately 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, 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:

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

“We are expecting nearly one million job openings in British Columbia by 2025 as a result retirements and economic growth. We want British Columbians to have the skills and training they need to be first in line for the jobs of today and in the future. The programs supported by the Canada-B.C. Job Fund will provide training for in-demand jobs in regions right across the province.”

Baldev Pooni, interim dean, Faculty of Trades & Technology, Thompson Rivers University –

“Thompson Rivers University is privileged to partner with the federal and provincial governments to deliver relevant high-priority training. Our motivation is to develop a highly skilled, job-ready workforce for the economic and social benefit of local communities. ”

Ian Anderson, president, Kinder Morgan Canada –

“The Trans Mountain Expansion Project is pleased to work with Thompson Rivers University as part of our commitment to maximizing employment opportunities for Aboriginals. This initiative provides training for Aboriginal community members from the Kamloops region and will help prepare them with the skills and knowledge needed to capitalize on the jobs the new pipeline and its associated facilities will create.”

Quick Facts:

• B.C. is expecting almost one million job openings by 2025.
• Up to 134,700 job openings are expected in the Thompson-Okanagan and Kootenay 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