Up to 48 Greater Vancouver residents will receive the training they need for jobs in their community, thanks to the federal-provincial partnership under the Canada-B.C. Job Fund Agreement.

Approximately $277,000 has been allocated to YMCA of Greater Vancouver to deliver the YMCA building maintenance program (cleaning janitorial services training), which prepares participants for employment in the light cleaning and janitorial industries.

One of the four training sessions, each lasting six weeks, is completed and all training will be completed by June 2017.

This project is 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, 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 –

“This is a great opportunity for people to gain the necessary skills to pursue high-demand jobs in the building maintenance field, which can be a stepping stone to even more rewarding careers. Up to one million job openings are expected in our province by 2025, so it is vital that we offer more training programs now to prepare British Columbians for job opportunities today and in the coming years.”

Andrea Welling, manager, adult learning, YMCA of Greater Vancouver –

“The YMCA of Greater Vancouver is excited to offer this innovative program to assist job seekers in finding new opportunities for growth and training in the cleaning and janitorial services industry. Through our program and the job readiness and industry-specific skills training we provide, participants get the support needed to feel prepared to launch their careers. Our employer partners are actively looking for trained staff to hire in their businesses, so the training and referrals we provide are a win-win for both job seekers and employers. One intake has finished the training component of the program and one participant has already found employment. We are confident that many more will find great jobs in companies where they will thrive and prosper.”

Joie Labatt, director, human resources, Tricom Building Maintenance –

“Tricom is honoured and proud to partner with the YMCA team in its janitorial service training program. Tricom instructors help the participants get introduced to, and ready to join the facility maintenance industry. Immediate jobs are being filled with graduates, which benefits all stakeholders.”

Leann C., graduate, janitorial services training program –

“Thanks to the YMCA’s janitorial services training program and my new building service worker certificate, I feel much more confident in applying for future job opportunities and for this I am truly grateful.”

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