Social Development and Poverty Reduction
With new funding, more people experiencing barriers to employment, such as Indigenous people, people on income assistance and those with complex needs, are training for in-demand jobs.
The Province, in partnership with the Government of Canada, is providing more than $3 million under the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement to support seven training programs. These programs will prepare people for in-demand jobs, such as construction workers, education assistants and hospitality workers, as well as heavy-equipment operators in forestry, civil infrastructure and excavation.
“We want people to have the support they need, especially amid the increased cost of living and uncertainty from American tariffs,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “So we are funding more training for the skills people need to take on good-paying jobs that help local communities.”
Labour-market training projects, funded through the Community and Employer Partnerships program, deliver employment and skills training to help people on their path to careers, while involving local communities, employers and industry representatives. The projects provide a combination of classroom training, work experience and followup support to help participants improve their employment skills and prepare them for in-demand jobs throughout B.C.
“I’m excited for this program, because it is opening a door to for me, providing training, certifications and experience,” said Alberto, a participant in MOSAIC's building-service worker training. “Most jobs today require these things and they've been a barrier for me to enter the workforce. I’m hoping this training program will help me launch my career.”
Note: The participant's name is not being disclosed because their situation is sensitive. MOSAIC's training is for Spanish-speaking immigrants who are receiving income assistance.
This program is funded by the Government of Canada through Employment Insurance contributions from workers and employers via the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement.
Quotes:
Patty Hajdu, federal Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario –
”Every Canadian deserves the opportunity to succeed. At a time when many are navigating uncertainty in their careers and communities, the Government of Canada is making important investments through Labour Market Development Agreements. By supporting targeted training programs, we are helping gain the skills they need for in-demand jobs – empowering individuals, strengthening communities and building a more-inclusive economy.”
Jessie Sunner, B.C.’s Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills –
“By investing in training and education, we are helping people access better jobs to build a stronger, future-ready workforce that drives economic growth. There will be over one million job openings in B.C. over the next 10 years. I encourage eligible organizations to apply so we can support as many people as possible in entering the in-demand sectors our province needs.”
Quick Facts:
- Project-based labour-market training is part of the Community and Employer Partnerships program and funds organizations that provide a combination of training, on-the-job work experience and followup support to eligible individuals to improve their employment skills.
- Eligible organizations, such as non-profits, Crown corporations, municipalities, Indigenous groups, public-health and educational institutions, and businesses, can apply for funding through the Community and Employer Partnerships program to support training and work experience for B.C. job seekers.
- Since 2012, the Community and Employer Partnerships program has helped more than 7,200 people in British Columbia gain employment experience through more than 680 projects throughout the province.
Learn More:
To learn more about WorkBC Employment services available, visit:
https://www.workbc.ca/discover-employment-services
To apply for funding through the Community and Employer Partnerships program to support training and work experience for B.C. job seekers, visit:
https://www.workbc.ca/discover-employment-services/community-and-employer-partnerships/project-based-labour-market
A backgrounder follows.
