Up to 54 British Columbians in Vancouver, Coquitlam and Langley are receiving the training they need for jobs in their communities, thanks to the federal-provincial partnership under the Canada-B.C. Job Fund Agreement.

Approximately $135,000 has been allocated to the Eastside Movement for Business and Economic Renewal Society (EMBERS) to deliver three training programs:

• Construction Safety Officer
• Hoist Operator
• Traffic Control Person

Much of the training is being delivered with support from employer partners, such as Ellis Don Construction, in order to give participants hands-on, on-the-job training.

The training projects will prepare participants for jobs in the construction industry. Project dates vary and all training will be completed by the end of March, 2017.

These training projects are 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:

Sam Sullivan, MLA for Vancouver-False Creek –

“B.C. is expecting nearly one million job openings between now and 2025. Programs like the Construction Safety Officer, Hoist Operator and Traffic Control Person training will benefit not only residents on the Lower Mainland, but employers in the construction industry that are looking to fill a labour-market need.”

Marcia Nozick, CEO, EMBERS Staffing Solutions –

“The project-based training program has provided a wonderful opportunity for EMBERS workers to gain new skills and advance their careers. It’s had an amazing social impact.”

Bradley Reid, senior project manager, Ellis Don Construction –

“The project-based training program for EMBERS Staffing Solutions is a great opportunity to improve the employment opportunities for many people who otherwise would not be able to afford the costs of upgrading their construction skills and certifications. It is also a great opportunity to create strong corporate/social partnerships. Ellis Don has already hired several EMBERS workers. EMBERS has been, and will continue to be, a key partner helping us build an innovative future of community involvement in the construction industry."

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