A provincially funded Labour Market Partnership study will find best practices for resource companies to recruit and retain Aboriginal workers in northwestern British Columbia.

The Province is providing $248,120 to the Metlakatla First Nation for the B.C. Workforce Mobilization: Research and Supports project to identify and overcome challenges to the recruitment and retention of First Nations workers with limited work-camp experience.

The Metlakatla Development Corporation branch of the First Nation is participating in the project to explore new ways to help residents find long-term employment and gain experience in the resource sector.

Over the course of 44 weeks, it will develop a plan to improve opportunities employment in work camps.

To create the plan, participants will conduct focus groups, interviews with work camp employers and employees, as well as a survey of dozens of First Nations individuals who are already working in, or training for, camp-based jobs in the region.

Together with project staff, the participants will then develop strategies to help First Nations workers and their families prepare for and maintain employment in work camps in northwestern B.C. This information will then be shared with training-and-employment service agencies, employers, unions, camp operations and other First Nations. The findings will also be published online with audio and visual materials.

Ministry funding for the project comes from the Labour Market Partnership stream of the Employment Program of BC’s Community and Employer Partnerships fund, which funds projects that share labour market information and increase employability throughout the province.

The Skills for Jobs Blueprint was launched two years ago to help British Columbians get the skills they need to be first in line for the almost one million job openings that are projected by 2025 and to re-engineer B.C.'s education programs toward a data-driven system focusing investments toward training for in-demand jobs.

Quotes:

Michelle Stilwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation –

“It is important that we continue to look at ways to help First Nations people gain access to employment opportunities. This is a project I’m proud our government is able to fund and one that I’m confident will be a major asset to the resource sector, as well as current and future employees.”

Harold Leighton, Chief, Metlakatla First Nation –

“Historically, First Nations workers have not been highly represented in large-scale resource development projects in the Northwest. The purpose of the mobilization project is to reach out to First Nations workers and their families, so they can be better prepared for working life at a camp. Metlakatla is taking a leadership role to ensure First Nations workers across the province have access to LNG-related jobs, as well as other jobs that require staying in camps. We are strongly committed to helping First Nations with long-term career development and the health of families.”

Roger Leclerc and Theresia Lee, co-chairs, Project Steering Committee –

"This is an important pilot project because First Nations workers and their families in B.C. historically have not had much experience in being exposed to major construction projects and, in particular, the obligations and challenges of camp life. The Metlakatla have put together a solid steering committee that includes industry, camp operators, employment specialists and First Nations, and this group will provide ongoing direction to the project, so that it makes sense for the employer and employees."

Lorie Johnson, advisor, Aboriginal & Community Relations Horizon North Logistics –

“As a premier workforce accommodation provider, Horizon North understands the value that training videos provide the employee, their families, as well as the employer. Extended periods away from family and friends can be challenging, pre-exposure to the expectations of remote camp life helps prepare potential employees for obstacles they may encounter, increasing their ability to realize success in their role. Horizon North is pleased to support and be involved with B.C. Workforce Mobilization Project.”

Quick Facts:

• B.C. invests more than $7.8 billion in education and training each year from early learning programs for the youngest British Columbians all the way through to post graduate education.
• Over the next 10 years, to better align annual investments to meet emerging labour market needs, the government will redirect $3 billion in training investments to focus on skills and programs for in-demand jobs.
• B.C. is projected to be one of the economic leaders in the country this year and First Nations are an increasingly important part of economic success in a rapidly changing labour market.
• B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint is reaching out to Aboriginal peoples in their communities to ensure they have the education, training and support they need to get good jobs
• In 2016-17, the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation 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 Partnership 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 Metlakatla Development Corporation: http://www.metlakatla.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/