More than 62 Aboriginal learners in the Cariboo Region are receiving training in their communities through four programs that will help them upgrade skills for a variety of occupations and prepare for jobs such as language support workers and translators.

The programs are delivered through partnerships involving the University of Northern British Columbia, Thompson Rivers University, the Tsilhqot’in National Government, the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council, the Nazko First Nation and the Alexis Creek First Nation.

The programs are supported with more than $1 million through the Aboriginal Community-Based Training Partnerships program. The funding includes more than $320,000 from the Ministry of Advanced Education and more than $730,000 from the Employment Services and Supports (ESS) stream of the Canada-B.C. Job Fund Agreement.

A total of 348 proposals for funding from 135 individual organizations were submitted to the B.C. government for ESS funding by the application deadline in April 2015. In 2016-17, a total of $43.4 million was provided to the Province for all ESS programs, including the Aboriginal Community-Based Training Partnerships programs and programs available through the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour.

The Canada-B.C. Job Fund helps ensure training programs give individuals the skills to enter and succeed in the job market. The goal of ESS is to increase the labour market participation of British Columbians by assisting them to prepare for entry to, or return to, sustainable employment.

The programs support the BC Jobs Plan, B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, and the Aboriginal Post-Secondary Education and Training Policy Framework and Action Plan (Aboriginal Framework).

The Aboriginal Community-Based Training Partnerships program is also one of the key ways the B.C. government is taking action to strengthen and grow rural communities. To further support the needs of rural communities and grow local economies, the Province will be releasing a Rural Economic Development Strategy in the near future.

Quotes:

Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson –

“The B.C. government is investing in Aboriginal students by providing them with community-based training geared towards employment. Empowering Aboriginal students creates a brighter future for their families and communities.”

Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister John Rustad –

“Government is working with its partners to provide Aboriginal students with education and training. It is part of the BC Jobs Plan commitment to strengthen communities and ensure Aboriginal people are positioned to share in the province’s growing wealth.”

Cariboo North MLA Coralee Oakes –

“The Labour Market Outlook projects that our region will have more than 50,000 job openings over the next ten years. Community-based training will help ensure Aboriginal learners are prepared for these opportunities.”

Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett –

“Our regional economy needs a broad range of workers, from accountants, construction managers to transport truck drivers. These programs will help Aboriginal students get the skills they need for job opportunities in our community.”

University of Northern British Columbia president Daniel Weeks –

“Through these programs, UNBC is educating future leaders in the Tsilhqot’in and Southern Carrier Nations by creating opportunities for them to seek knowledge right in their own communities. We are proud to collaborate with the Aboriginal communities and the Province of British Columbia to deliver these programs.”

Thompson Rivers University president Alan Shaver –

“Through this program, Thompson Rivers University is supporting Aboriginal educators and learners with language, academic, culture and education courses. We are proud work to alongside the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council and the Province of B.C. to deliver The Journey Home Program in the Cariboo.”

Learn More:

BC Jobs Plan and Aboriginal Peoples and First Nations: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/economy/aboriginal-peoples-first-nations/?WT.cg_n=HootSuite

B.C. 2025 Labour Market Outlook: https://www.workbc.ca/Labour-Market-Information/B-C-s-Economy/Reports.aspx

B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: https://www.workbc.ca/Training-Education/B-C-s-Skills-for-Jobs-Blueprint/Learn-about-Blueprint.aspx

Canada-B.C. Job Fund Agreement: http://www.esdc.gc.ca/en/training_agreements/cjf/index.page?WT.cg_n=HootSuite

Aboriginal Framework: http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/aboriginal/policy-framework.htm

A backgrounder follows.