A government-funded program is giving unemployed Aboriginal people paid training and hands-on work experience in the Thompson-Nichola region’s horticulture industry.

The Little Shuswap Lake Indian Band is receiving more than $130,000 for the First Nations Horticulture Program, a training project that will provide up to 12 aboriginal people with the skills needed to find full-time employment in horticulture areas such as golf course maintenance, landscaping, greenhouses and agricultural settings – including local wineries.

Participants in the project are trained in a full-time, group-based setting that includes 12 weeks of employability and occupational skills training, nine weeks of on-the-job work experience with local horticulture employers, and three weeks of follow-up support in their search for work.

The project was developed in collaboration with employers to address the need for workers in the local horticulture industry. It addresses a labour market issue found in the Shuswap region that sees businesses struggling to hire local people due to a lack of training opportunities.

Employer partners providing work experience opportunities are the Quaaout Lodge & Talking Rock Golf Course, Celista Estate Winery, Crannog Ales, Sorrento Nurseries and Marionette Winery.

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 —

“This project will give a group of unemployed people training and real-world work experience they can take with them in their search for full-time jobs as they find their fit in our growing economy. It also gives a number of local businesses well-trained potential employees they know will be able to step in and help their operation grow and succeed.”

Todd Stone, MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson and Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure —

“Our area is ripe for growth literally and figuratively, and I’m excited for the potential this project brings to both its participants and their future employers. This is going to go a long way in helping these individuals’ career paths as they work to become more independent and secure a brighter future for themselves and their families.”

Greg Kyllo, MLA for Shuswap and Parliamentary Secretary for the BC Jobs Plan —

“I applaud the Little Shuswap Lake Indian Band for seeking out government support for this program, which will help a group of people in their journey to full-time employment. Projects like the First Nations Horticulture Program are an important part of the BC Jobs Plan, a government plan to fill the one million jobs that will be open in BC by 2025.”

Wes Francois, councillor, Little Shuswap Lake Indian Band —

“The Little Shuswap Lake Indian Band strives to be progressive while maintaining the Secwepemc cultural values when embarking on any initiative. A Kukstemc (thank you) to all our partners who share these same values and who are assisting with the concept and delivery of the horticultural program.”

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 Little Shuswap Lake Indian Band: http://www.lslib.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

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