New industry-specific programs to support job training in 4 B.C. regions

Province accepting proposals for programs until July 29

The British Columbia government is responding to the need for trained workers in rural B.C. by seeking proposals for industry-specific programs that will provide more skilled workers in the North Coast, Nechako, Cariboo and Kootenay regions.

“As our economy continues to recover, matching qualified, skilled workers to employment opportunities in the various industry sectors is vital. And it's important we give rural communities more of the tools they need to build stronger local economies. This new program will help do that, benefiting families and communities throughout the four regions and helping to ensure rural British Columbians share in the wealth they help to create,” said Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Pat Bell.

It's anticipated that B.C. will have one million job openings in the next 10 years, and much of the demand will be in the interior and northern B.C. To help meet the challenge, the province is providing up to $500,000 per funded project for job-training proposals.

In order to qualify, proposed programs must be for 25 or more eligible employed or unemployed participants and must address a specific sector or industry-based labour market need.

Participants in the programs must be:

• Unemployed individuals who have not had an employment insurance claim in the past three years, or five years in the case of parental leave.

• Low-skilled individuals who do not have any post-secondary education toward a university degree and lack a high-school diploma (or equivalent) or who have a high school diploma (or equivalent) but do not have any recognized certification.

Funded projects will assist communities, sectors, employers and workers adjust to changing labour market conditions in their area. The goal is to increase the number of qualified workers for available and anticipated employment opportunities.
 
All proposals for funding under the Labour Market Solutions Initiative must be submitted to BC Bid and received by Friday, July 29, 2011.

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