Amanda Dreager has found full-time employment with the Baker Creek Enhancement Society through a Job Creation Partnership project created to help raise awareness about the Cariboo Chilcotin shoreline.

The result was a positive impact on ecological functions, protection of water quality, and protection of recreational and First Nations’ interest in fishing and traditional food collection.

“The goal was to get people to understand the value of shoreline vegetation and what a healthy shoreline looks like,” Dreager said. With experience in horticulture and invasive plant management, she was a natural fit for the project. “My education and background lent itself well.”

Prior to the project, however, Dreager had been struggling to find full-time work. “I was a seasonal worker at the time but had not found stable work for the winter months.” With the help of her local WorkBC Employment Services Centre, Dreager was connected with the Cariboo Chilcotin Shorelines Campaign 2016 project. The project was a public campaign to encourage people to help protect shorelines on lakes, rivers, creeks and wetlands in the Cariboo Chilcotin.

Shortly after the project ended, Dreager was hired on full-time. “The project gave me the opportunity to learn while working and work while learning.” For Dreager, the benefits have been nothing short of awesome. She is doing education and outreach work and continues to raise awareness about the local environment, all while meeting and working with great people.

Dreager credits the Community and Employer Partnerships program, part of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, and the Baker Creek Enhancement Society specifically, with making all of this possible by providing support to people like her who are struggling to gain a foothold in the job market. She would recommend anyone who has the opportunity to participate in a similar work experience program to try something new.

More than that, Dreager believes in the work she is doing. “I’d like to stay with Baker Creek and carry on doing this kind of environmental education, making Quesnel healthier and better.”

Coralee Oakes, MLA for Cariboo North is confident that Dreager has a bright future in front of her. “The work that Amanda is continuing to do will make a difference in her community for generations to come. We are proud to see her moving forward.”

Michelle Stilwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation, echoes that sentiment. “Hearing about British Columbians getting back into secure employment is so rewarding. The Community and Employer Partnerships program continues to provide British Columbians with opportunities to enter the workforce and enrich their, and their families’, quality of life. I wish Amanda all the best and am proud of her stewardship for our future generations.”

Quick Facts:

• In 2015-16, the ministry 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 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?

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

Learn More:

Photo of Amanda: https://flic.kr/p/QsbYTH

For more on the Baker Creek Enhancement Society: http://www.bakercreek.org/

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