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Kootenays stand to benefit from new job training program
Rural B.C. is always in need of trained workers.
However, things are going to get even more needy in the next 10 years as the B.C. government is forecasting up to one million job openings in that time, with most of the demand in the north and Interior.
To try and prepare for that surge in job openings, occurring when the Babyboomers begin to retire, the province is seeking proposals for industry-specific programs that will create more skilled workers in the Kootenays, as well as the North Coast, Nechako and Cariboo.
“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,” stated Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation.
Up to $500,000 is available per proposal that will create job-training projects, with the money coming from the Canada/B.C. Labour Market Agreement.
According to a Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation press release, 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, or;
* 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.
All proposals for funding under the Labour Market Solutions Initiative must be submitted to BC Bid and received by Friday, July 29, 2011.
Further details on the Labour Market Solutions Initiative – Sector Based Solutions program eligibility requirements and how to apply can be found at: www.bcbid.gov.bc.ca/.
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