Up to 24 British Columbians from the Downtown Eastside are receiving the training they need for jobs in Vancouver, thanks to the federal-provincial partnership under the Canada-B.C. Job Fund Agreement.

Approximately $140,000 has been allocated to Tradeworks to deliver wood products fabrication training to residents who are facing barriers to employment. 

This project is training Aboriginal people, women, youth, immigrants and other under-represented groups in B.C.’s workforce in carpentry and fabrication techniques. It will prepare participants for jobs in the wood products manufacturing sector or related fields such as home improvement and tools retailers, contractor sales and lumber yards. To deliver the training, Tradeworks has partnered with Open Door Group, a non-profit organization.

There are two training cohorts for this project; the first cohort started their training in October and will finish training in January, while the second cohort will start in January and finish in 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 due to retirements and economic growth, and we want British Columbians have the skills and training they need to be first in line for these future openings. These training programs through the Canada-B.C. Job Fund will help local residents pursue rewarding careers in their home communities.”

Steven Johnston, executive director, Tradeworks –

“Tradeworks is pleased to partner with the Province to deliver vital services to some of Vancouver’s most deserving residents.”

Quick Facts:

• B.C. is expecting almost one million job openings by 2025.
• According to the B.C. 2025 Labour Market Outlook, up to 596,400 job openings are expected in the 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