Social Development and Poverty Reduction
Summary
- A WorkBC-funded 57-week career-preparation program will give 12 people in Kamloops recognized skills and pathways to employment
- More than $253,000 is supporting training, practicum placements and career development opportunities will provide training and address workforce needs in the child care sector
- The program supports B.C.'s Look West strategy by strengthening the workforce and connecting people to job opportunities in the child care sector
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More people in Kamloops will be able to train for careers in child care and gain the skills needed to move into in-demand jobs as early childhood educators through a new workforce training program.
“Affordable child care is critical social infrastructure that helps build Canada strong, and that is only possible when we have the skilled workforce to support it,” said Patty Hajdu, federal Minister of Jobs and Families. “Through the New Workforce Training Program, the Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia are helping people in Kamloops overcome barriers and gain the skills, experience and support they need to pursue rewarding careers in early learning and child care. By supporting people to enter the early childhood workforce today, we are creating pathways to good jobs, while ensuring families can access the care they need. From Kamloops to communities across the country, this is how we build a stronger, more resilient Canada.”
Through the Community and Employer Partnerships program, the Province is providing the funding to the Kamloops-Cariboo Regional Immigrants Society to deliver the Kamloops Early Childhood Education Workforce Entry Project. Funded by the Government of Canada under the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement, the project will support 10 to 12 participants through workplace preparation, classroom instruction, practicum placements and career development supports.
“People say they feel better and are better off when they have a job, so we are removing barriers to skills training,” said Sheila Malcolmson, B.C.’s Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “In partnership with the Government of Canada, we’re investing $253,653 to deliver hands-on training and work experience for people in Kamloops facing barriers to employment, including in child care.”
The fully funded program helps remove barriers to training by providing local access to industry-recognized early childhood education training and certifications in Kamloops, giving participants an opportunity to prepare for careers in this sector without leaving their community.
Building pathways to child care careers
The 57-week program includes employability and workplace preparation training, basic early childhood education training, supervised practicum placements and followup supports designed to help participants secure employment in licensed child care settings. Participants will gain hands-on experience and industry-recognized training to prepare for careers as early childhood educators.
“It’s exciting to see this program get underway,” said France Lamontagne, executive director, Kamloops Immigrant Services. “We know there's a real need for early childhood educators in our community, and this project gives participants a chance to take that first step into a meaningful career. We’re incredibly grateful to have support from the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction to make this happen.”
Supporting workforce needs
Early childhood educators play an essential role in supporting families and communities throughout B.C. By helping participants gain industry-recognized skills, practical experience and connections to employers, the program will help address workforce shortages in the child care sector, while creating pathways to meaningful employment.
“I've been looking for a chance to start a career in early childhood education, so I'm really excited to be here,” said Cecileigh Simpson, a program participant. “I know it will take hard work, but I'm looking forward to learning, and building a future doing something that matters. As our instructor put it, this is the start of a beautiful journey to becoming a child’s safe haven.”
The program supports the Province’s Look West strategy by strengthening B.C.’s workforce and helping people connect to good jobs in sectors with labour shortages, such as child care.
Quotes:
Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth –
“For a lot of parents, the biggest barrier standing between them and a paycheque is finding reliable child care. That’s why we’re investing in people who want to become early childhood educators: real training, hands-on experience and the confidence to build a career that matters. More educators means more child care spaces, which means more parents can get back to work; and more businesses across B.C. can find the skilled people they need to grow.”
Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care –
“Early childhood educators are the heartbeat of B.C.’s child care system. Their skill and care help children get a solid start in life while giving families the confidence to work, study and participate in their communities. By supporting more pathways to the early childhood educator profession, we are delivering on our commitment to ensure families can access the high-quality, affordable child care they need.”
Grace Corno, manager, Juniper Early Learning Centre –
“We're really happy to support this project. Finding qualified educators can be challenging, so it's encouraging to see people choosing this career. We look forward to meeting participants, supporting them as they learn, and hopefully welcoming some of them into our teams in the future.”
Quick Facts:
- Participants began the program on Monday, July 20, 2026.
- The program will run until July 2027.
Learn More:
- To learn more about Look West: Jobs and Prosperity for a Stronger BC and Canada, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/look-west-strategy - For more information about the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement, visit:
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/training-agreements/lmda.html - Learn more about the Kamloops-Cariboo Regional Immigrants Society online:
https://immigrantservices.ca/ - To learn more about becoming an early childhood educator, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/early-learning/teach/training-and-professional-development/become-an-early-childhood-educator
