The provincial government and the Mission Arts Council have teamed up on a skill enhancement project to promote art over graffiti.

Thanks to more than $55,000 in government funding, the Ignite Youth project will see two people receive 42 weeks of work experience as they design a program with the Mission Arts Council that will encourage youth to “create art, not tag it.”

(flickr.com)

The project’s work experience participants – one acting as a research assistant and another as a youth co-ordinator – will gain new employment skills in the research and development of youth related educational materials and programs, computer skills, public speaking, meeting and workshop facilitation, report writing and community networking. They will research similar programs to find what youth want and need out of their own program, while networking with local stakeholders and promoting the program at community events.

It is expected to be complete in February 2017.

Funding for the project is provided through the Job Creation Partnerships stream of the Community and Employer Partnerships program.

Job Creation Partnerships are part of the Employment Program of British Columbia’s Community and Employer Partnerships, which fund projects that increase employability and share labour market information.

The Community and Employer Partnerships program is featured in B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint and provides more support to people who are struggling to gain a foothold in the job market. It helps build stronger partnerships with industry and labour to connect British Columbians with classroom and on-the-job training, while making it easier for employers to hire the skilled workers they need – when and where they need them.

To date, more than 1,200 job seekers benefited from work experience and more than 240 projects have been funded throughout the province.

Quotes:

Michelle Stilwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation –

“This is a project that will give its two participants valuable work experience in program design as they put together an initiative that will help vulnerable youth in Mission move towards a more productive lifestyle. Under the guidance of the Mission Arts Council, I’m sure the project’s participants will be better suited to find full-time employment once the program is complete.”

Simon Gibson, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission –

“Finding new ways to help reduce graffiti is a great benefit to the community as it helps beautify Mission, especially in the downtown core. The Ignite Youth project has a chance to play a major role in our community, all while helping two people enhance their employment skills with the help of the Mission Arts Council.”

Marc Dalton, MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission –

“I’m proud of the B.C. government for stepping up to provide funding for the Mission Arts Council to not only put together a program that is going to make a big impact both with our local youth and our downtown, but to also give two people work experience while they do it.”

Nancy Arcand, executive director, Mission Arts Council –

“As a non-profit organization in arts and culture it is often difficult to obtain funding to develop new programs for our community. We are very fortunate to have the support of the Job Creation Partnership funding to develop our Ignite Youth program. With such support we are able to offer a unique work experience for two candidates and design a program particularly for youth aged 13 to 18.”

Quick Facts:

• The Mission Arts Council is in advocacy group for creative work of its members, which nurtures awareness of, involvement in, and commitment to arts within its community.
• Local WorkBC Employment Services Centres play a lead role in connecting eligible job seekers to Job Creation Partnership and Project Based Labour Market Training opportunities in their communities. Once the right match of client to project has been found, the effort of the WorkBC Centre continues by providing financial supports and services to ensure success.
• In 2016-17, the ministry has committed to investing $331 million in employment and labour market programs under the Employment Program of BC.
• The Employment Program of BC is funded by the Province of British Columbia as well as the Government of Canada through the Labour Market Development Agreement.
• Funding supports 84 WorkBC Employment Services Centres throughout the province and the four components of the Community and Employer Partnerships fund:
  • Job Creation Partnerships
  • Labour Market Partnerships
  • Project-Based Labour Market Training
  • Research and Innovation

Who is eligible for Community and Employer Partnerships funding?

• Businesses
• Non-profit organizations
• Crown corporations
• Municipalities, agencies or territorial governments
• Bands/tribal councils
• Public health and educational institutions

Learn More:

Learn more about the Mission Arts Council: http://www.missionartscouncil.ca

For more information on Community and Employer Partnerships: www.workbc.ca/CEP

Find a local WorkBC Employment Services Centre: www.workbccentres.ca

Learn more about the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation: www.gov.bc.ca/sdsi

For more information on B.C.'s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: www.workbc.ca/skills

To find out more about the BC Jobs Plan: www.engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/