Up to 30 eligible British Columbians will get skills training to prepare them for jobs in the industrial sewing industry in the Lower Mainland.

“By providing occupation-specific training and team-building skills, this project helps put eligible participants on the road to success,” said Nicholas Simons, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “There’s a shortage of skilled industrial sewing machine operators in the Lower Mainland, and graduates of the program will be well supported to find well-paying jobs.”

Through this new Community and Employer Partnership (CEP) project, the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction is providing almost $400,000 to North West Industries Association to deliver essential and occupational skills training over two intakes of its Industrial Sewing Project.

“North West Industries Association is pleased to be able to offer industrial sewing training to eligible participants and equip them with essential industrial and life skills to help them secure a better future,” said Jackie Trafton, executive assistant, North West Industries Association.

Participants will receive 11 weeks of occupational, employability and life-skills training, four weeks of on-the-job work experience with local employers and two weeks followup support to assist in their job search. Among other things, participants will learn the safe and efficient operation of a variety of industrial sewing machines, receive an introduction to mass production methods, language skills and conflict resolution training.

“I’m excited that participants will have the ability to find employment in the fashion industry and other manufacturing sectors, which is a win for both learners and employers,” said Andrew Mercier, Parliamentary Secretary for Skills Training. “New Canadians and the most vulnerable workers will be empowered by the skills training they receive, as we work in partnership with community associations to deliver these programs.”

Funding for this project is provided through the Project Based Labour Market Training stream of WorkBC’s CEP. CEP’s aim is to increase employment and work experience opportunities for unemployed British Columbians through leveraging local community partnerships, shared information, technology and innovative practices.

Full-time, group-based classroom learning for the first intake of this project starts Monday, March 1, 2021. Project activities run through to June 25. Anyone interested in finding out more about this or other CEP projects can contact their local WorkBC centre.

More than $15 million will be invested in CEP projects throughout B.C. in 2020-21.

Learn More:

Learn how CEPs are helping local communities: www.workbc.ca/Employment-Services/Community-and-Employer-Partnerships.aspx

Learn about how WorkBC can help find British Columbians jobs that are right for them: www.workbc.ca/rightforyou

Find your local WorkBC centre: https://www.workbc.ca/Employment-Services/WorkBC-Centres/WorkBC-Centres-Listing.aspx

North West Industries Association: https://nwindustries.ca/