Re-entry training for workers needing more or different skills in order to return to the workforce received a shot in the arm in the Kootenay’s two post secondary institutions – College of the Rockies in Cranbrook and Selkirk College in Castlegar.

As part of the Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan, the provincial government today (Dec. 9) announced it is investing $1,030,976 for new skills training programs for the Kootenay region. The programs are part of the Employment Skills Access Initiative (ESA).

“This funding will go a long way towards helping people get a start along their path to a successful career. Our government’s primary focus is on workforce development and job creation strategies and with this investment, we’re seeing those words put into action right here in the Kootenays,” stated Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett.

“Higher education is key to our province’s growth and prosperity as we develop the workers of the future. Under the BC Jobs Plan, we’re working with our quality post-secondary institutions to increase learning and employment opportunities, building the foundation for a stronger economy,” added Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of Advanced Education.

“This program is another example of our commitment to enhance skills training throughout the province as we work to build an increasingly skilled workforce to meet present and future labour market demands and to provide British Columbians with access to new employment opportunities,” said Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation.

Through ESA, eligible British Columbians are provided with tuition-free, group-based training at public, post-secondary institutions to prepare them for entry or re-entry into the labour force.

ESA training programs are primarily focused on preparing participants for entry-level employment in industries, sectors or occupations that are currently experiencing, or are projected to experience, labour or skills shortages.

College of the Rockies will be receiving $356,452, with $87,120 tabbed for the college’s Introduction to the Trades Program, with 12 participants. This 10-week program provides participants with certification required to gain employment in a trades-related position at an entry or apprentice level.

And $269,332 is earmarked for the Forestry Boot Camp Training Program, with 24 participants. This three-week program provides the certification needed to gain entry-level employment in the forest industry.

For more information about ESA training programs at College of the Rockies, please contact Bonnie New at 250-489-2751 ext 3440 or [email protected].

Selkirk College is getting $674,254, with $423,494 going to the college’s Administrative Skills program, with 48 participants. This 24-week program provides training for entry-level administrative and clerical positions.

Finally, $251,030 is headed to the Early Childhood Care Education Assistant program with 40 participants. This 20-week program provides the certification needed to become employable at childcare facilities.

For more information about Selkirk College’s ESA training programs, please phone (250) 364-5780 or email [email protected] or visit www.selkirk.ca/ce.

ESA programs are funded within government’s existing fiscal plan.

Training programs provided through ESA must be at least three weeks in duration, to a maximum of 12 months, with an emphasis on programs that provide participants with provincially or industry-recognized credentials.

For occupations with established provincial standards for training and certification, training programs must follow and meet those standards.

Participants in the ESA programs must be unemployed individuals who have not established an Employment Insurance claim in the past three years, or five years in the case of maternity/parental leave.

The Employment Skills Access Initiative is funded through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement (LMA).

Learn More:

Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/

Skills for Growth, British Columbia’s labour market strategy to 2020: http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/skills_for_growth/welcome.htm

Canada/British Columbia Labour Market Agreement: http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/labourmarketagreement/

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