The B.C. government and Southern Interior Construction Association (SICA) are offering training for Aboriginal people to become heavy-equipment operators.

SICA is receiving more than $1 million in government funding to provide classroom instruction and hands-on training for 36 EI-eligible Aboriginal participants in Williams Lake and Westbank. In 2015, SICA provided Okanagan-based participants the same work experience opportunities, leading to 35 people finding jobs.

Through 16 weeks of Project-Based Labour Market Training at development sites owned by the Toosey Indian Band and Westbank First Nation, participants in the Aboriginal Community-Based Vocational Training to Employment program will learn essential job-search and life skills in a classroom setting before getting into more technical training. That includes the Industry Training Road Builders Foundation course, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems, the Construction Safety Training System, and Ground Disturbance.

Participants will then be trained in heavy-equipment operation for six weeks and benefit from a further eight weeks of follow-up job support as they search for full-time employment to find their fit in B.C.’s growing economy.

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 provide 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 1,300 job seekers have benefited from work experience and more than 250 projects have been funded throughout the province.

Quotes:

Michelle Stilwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation –

“I’m proud of our partnership with the Southern Interior Construction Association, which has been a great benefit for job-seekers in the region as they gain new skills in a positive environment that will help them find meaningful employment as heavy-equipment operators. It also gives local employers a group of potential employees they know were trained the right way and are ready to step into new jobs. This is just another example of the positives that Community and Employer Partnerships can bring to both job-seekers and employers"

Donna Barnett, MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin and minister of state for Rural Development –

“I’m proud of our government’s partnership with the Southern Interior Construction Agency and of the group of people who have chosen to take part in this great opportunity to become trained to work in an industry that needs trained employees.”

Bill Everitt, chief operating officer, Southern Interior Construction Association –

“The Southern Interior Construction Association is proud of the role we have played in our partnership with government facilitating training and employment in the heavy-equipment operation sector of the construction industry. With the anticipated growth in infrastructure spending there is a continuous need for skilled workers in this sector.”

Loretta, project participant –

“This Heavy Equipment Operator course is exceptional. I have learned so much in five weeks, more than I thought possible. I recommend this course to any and all persons interested. After I gain more experience and receive my certification as well as become financially sound, I will start my own small company and employ my family and or other individuals who need help getting on their feet.”

Roe-Lynn, project participant –

“Planning our three-year vision, mission and goals motivated me to stay on track so that I have the opportunity to accomplish them. I’d like to get the skills, education and confidence to run equipment safely and efficiently. It has been great. I’m so happy to be learning everything we’ve covered. I have found that everything has been something of great value.”

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:

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

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