Up to 70 British Columbians in Kamloops, Merritt and Chilliwack 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 $84,000 has been allocated to the Secwepemc Cultural Education Society to run the Basic Security Training Program for Aboriginal participants. 

The training project will prepare participants for jobs as security guards on pipeline construction, major projects and other construction-related sites. 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:

Terry Lake, MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson –

“The basic security training being provided by the Secwepemc Cultural Education Society is a great example of targeted training that meets local labour market needs, while providing British Columbians with jobs in their local communities.”

Jackie Tegart, MLA for Fraser-Nicola –

“We’re expecting nearly one million job openings in B.C. by 2025. Training like the Basic Security Training Program is beneficial to residents in Merritt, and provides our region with skills required now and into the future.”

John Martin, MLA for Chilliwack –

“It’s great to see training like this available here in Chilliwack. The investment made through the Canada-B.C. Job Fund Agreement allows the Province to provide opportunities to many British Columbians, ensuring they are first in line for jobs in B.C.”

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.”

Rita Matthew, senior executive manager, Secwepemc Cultural Education Society –

“The Secwepemc Cultural Education Society (SCES) is working to support avenues toward holistic cultural development of Secwepemc people in a meaningful way, while adapting to the changing needs for individuals and communities. The provision of training can provide options for sustainability, and a base from which to explore and resource healthy lifestyles.”

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