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Program funding extended to aid youth gain workplace skills
Today Bowman Employment Services Inc. is announcing that the Get Youth Working! Program under the Youth Skills BC Initiative is being extended for the next year by the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation.
The new funding, provided through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement, will begin on April 1, and will be offered until March 31, 2013. Recognizing the need for work experience in today’s economy, the program provides funding to help B.C. youth gain the experience that they will need for future career advancement by providing on-the-job and third-party training.
“The program was extended as a result of the federal and provincial government’s recognition that today’s economic climate makes skills training a necessity for our youth,” said Susan Sambol, Director of Marketing and Communications at Bowman Employment Services Inc. “We at Bowman Employment Services are happy to announce that, with the extended and increased funding, the Get Youth Working! Program hopes to assist 900 youth in the next year. We have helped young British Columbians get training and a foot in the door in such fields as graphic design, trades apprenticeships, business consulting, animation design and marketing.”
Developed by the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation, the workplace-based program will enhance employability for B.C’s youth by improving their existing skills and helping them gain new ones through practical experience and training. During the pilot phase, employers were able to hire up to three participants and receive $2,000 per participant. As of April 1, 2012, employers can receive a hiring incentive of up to $2,800 per participant in addition to $1,000 to off-set the costs of providing these youth with training. Those employers who participated in the pilot program phase may be able to fund the hiring of an additional three participants.
“The Province is pleased to partner with Bowman Employment Services to help B.C. youth gain the skills they will need for their future, so they can become active participants in our labour market,” said Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation. “Training a highly skilled workforce is a key part of our commitment in Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan, to continue building a strong economy for British Columbia.”
The program will be open to eligible participants and employers across the province and will be administered by Bowman Employment Services Inc. Additional details about the program are available at www.getyouthworking.ca or call toll-free at 1-877-866-3100.
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