Up to 128 Lower Mainland residents 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 $652,000 has been allocated to Kwantlen Polytechnic University to deliver the following two projects:

• Data/networking technician training. Funding of $322,940 has been allocated to train up to 64 participants as entry-level workers as data/networking technicians. Training dates vary with three intakes delivered between October 2016 and June 2017.
• Low-voltage wiring technician training. Funding of $329,785 has been allocated to deliver training to up to 64 participants for employment as low-voltage cabling technicians. The program includes training in basic theory as well as hands-on practical experience working with the most widely used manufacturers’ products in the field. Training dates vary with three intakes delivered between September 2016 and May 2017.

These projects are 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:

Amrik Virk, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services and MLA for Surrey-Tynehead–

“To meet increasing demand and help strengthen B.C.’s tech sector, our government is committed to growing local tech talent as part of our #BCTECH Strategy. Supporting Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s new technician training project will help immigrants, youth, women, persons with disabilities and Aboriginal learners develop the skills to participate in our thriving tech sector.”

Alan Davis, president and vice-chancellor, Kwantlen Polytechnic University –

“KPU is committed to providing students with the necessary skills, knowledge and experience needed to excel in their chosen careers. The data/networking technician and low-voltage wiring technician training programs offered at KPU Tech are examples of how KPU is helping to meet the evolving needs of the job market.”

Quick Facts:

• The project announced today supports the government’s commitment to deepen B.C.’s technology talent pool through a variety of actions, including improving access to timely and relevant labour market information, as outlined in the #BCTECH Strategy.
• The 10-year strategy includes a $100-million BC Tech Fund to improve access to capital, as well as initiatives to increase talent development and market growth for tech companies to drive innovation and productivity throughout the province.
• 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   

#BCTECH Strategy: http://bctechstrategy.gov.bc.ca/

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

Kwantlen Polytechnic University: http://www.kpu.ca/