A successful hospitality training project is being expanded to cover two more cities.

For the third straight year, government is investing in the Room Keys Project-Based Labour Market Training project in Prince George. But this year there are also additional training opportunities for job-seekers in Kelowna and Kamloops. The Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation is providing nearly $265,000 for the project in 2016. In total, about $479,000 in provincial funding has been provided for the Room Keys projects.

Administered by the Prince George-based Canadian Vocational Training Centre, Room Keys gives people interested in working in hospitality a group-based experience as they learn to work in the industry through classroom and on-the-job training at local hotels. This year, 13 people in Prince George, eight in Kelowna and eight in Kamloops are being trained. The project ends Dec. 23, 2016. The goal is for at least three-quarters of its participants to find full-time hospitality work once the project is complete.

Throughout the course, participants are involved in a series of training exercises including business communications, hospitality and tourism, and food and beverage service, among other areas. They also receive follow-up support while searching for work.

In 2014, six of the seven people who participated in the first Room Keys project found jobs in the local hotel industry. Seven of eight participants found work in the 2015 project.

Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation funding is provided through the Project-Based Labour Market Training stream of the Community and Employer Partnerships program, which funds projects that increase employability levels and share labour market information.

Community and Employer Partnerships are featured in B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint and provides support to people who are struggling to gain a foothold in the job market. It also helps build stronger partnerships with industry and labour to connect British Columbians with classroom instruction 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 have 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 –

“It's great to see this project continuing and expanding to new areas of the province so that even more people can benefit. The Canadian Vocational Training Centre has done an amazing job in getting people ready to work, ensuring they will have the skills needed to find full-time work in our growing hospitality industry.”

Shirley Bond, MLA for Prince George-Valemount, and Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour –

“With record-breaking tourism numbers in the province, we want to make sure that British Columbians have the training they need to get work in this important economic sector. This program gives people the practical experience and skills they need to move into the job market.”

Mike Morris, MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie –

“This has been a fantastic program for people in Prince George to learn about working in the hospitality and tourism industry, and do so in a hands-on setting. Our city is primed to become a tourism hub and it is imperative that businesses have knowledgeable staff ready to step in and welcome visitors in the best way possible. I’m excited that our government is providing funding to expand it to two more cities.”

Cal Purcell, president, Canadian Vocational Training Centre –

“It is our pleasure to offer the Room Keys program and assist individuals with obtaining employment in the hospitality industry. The hospitality industry is growing at a great pace and we need to have trained and experienced people providing exceptional services to our guests. The Room Keys program is designed for just this purpose and we thank the government for continuing to provide funding for this innovative program.”

Chrystal Lagace, project participant –

“When I think of Canadian Vocational Training Centre (Room Keys), it has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I am so happy that I got a chance to be a part of such an amazing program. I am now looking forward to my work experience and have already had two different job offers. Thank you for all the life time of memories.”

Quick Facts:

• Local WorkBC Employment Services Centres play a leading role in connecting eligible job seekers to Job Creation Partnerships and Project-Based Labour Market Training opportunities in their communities. Once a connection between the client and a suitable project has been made, the WorkBC centre continues to provide financial support and services to ensure the client’s success.
• In 2016-17, the ministry has committed to investing $331 million in employment and labour market programs under the Employment Program of British Columbia.
• The Employment Program of BC is funded by the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada through the Labour Market Development Agreement.
• Funding supports 84 WorkBC Employment Services Centres throughout the province and the five components of the Community and Employer Partnerships fund:
  • Job Creation Partnerships
  • Labour Market Partnerships
  • Project-Based Labour Market Training
  • Research and Innovation
  • Social Innovation

Who is eligible for Community and Employer Partnerships funding?

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

Learn More:

Learn more about the Canadian Vocational Training Centre: http://vocationaltrainingcentre.com

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/