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Regional Workforce Table seeks input
The Kootenay Regional Workforce Table, a regionally-driven group consisting of key leaders from the region has been established.
Its purpose is to develop a Regional Skills Training Plan to address labour shortages and skills gaps. Table members include industry, employers, First Nations, educators, training service providers, economic development organizations and others from the East and West Kootenay.
The aim of the Workforce Table is to establish how to best align training programs to meet regional needs. The Table will apply the knowledge and expertise of its members as well as input from stakeholder focus group sessions to identify economic development opportunities and to make recommendations on training programs to meet the demand for jobs in the area. Funding is provided through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement.
College of the Rockies Director of Continuing Education, Contract Training and Regional Campus Operations, Leah Bradish is supporting the table as Secretariat Manager and East Kootenay Liaison. “We are thrilled to have such a diverse Table with representatives from a wide range of industries, small business, First Nations, and service providers from all parts of the region,” she says.
Kootenay Regional Workforce Table Chair, David Ridge of Fairmont Ridge Construction says, “This is a very important initiative for meeting the skilled labour shortages throughout the region over the next 10 or more years. We will be holding focus group sessions in both the East and the West Kootenay to provide an opportunity for industry and community stakeholders to give input on labour force needs, training challenges and projected labour demands specific to the region.”
Supported by Columbia Basin Trust, focus groups will be taking place February 18 to 21. These groups will allow business and industries in the Kootenays to voice their concerns about labour force shortages and to provide any input or suggestions they may have.
Focus groups are scheduled for Golden and Invermere today (February 19), the Elk Valley on February 20 and Cranbrook and Kimberley on February 21.
Bradish indicated, “If anyone is keenly interested in workforce issues, labour shortages and workforce training and has not received an invitation for a focus group, they may indicate their interest by contacting Jennifer Sundstrom at [email protected].”
To learn more about the Kootenay Regional Workforce Table, contact the Secretariat Manager, Leah Bradish at 250-489-8286, or by email [email protected] .
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