| September 14, 2009 More than $175,000 to Aid Unemployed VICTORIA – The Province is investing more than $175,000 in training programs to help unemployed British Columbians acquire the skills to transition back to the labour force or into further education. “It is clear that changing job markets require additional skills and training,” says the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State for Sport and MP for Saanich Gulf Islands, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. “That is why we are pleased to work with the B.C. Government and support programs that will help British Columbians come out of this economic downturn better prepared for the jobs of the future.” “Not only will this funding help workers acquire and update skills that will allow them to compete in the changing jobs markets, but it will inevitably create a group of educated employees for businesses in the community,” says Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA Ida Chong. Through Royal Roads University the Front Line Supervisory Skills Program will receive $176,880 and administer training to students who are interested in updating their skills. Five institutions across the province will be offering a total of 17 intakes across 10 different programs that will provide unemployed workers general employment skills or job-specific skills, such as industrial material handling and logistics and software systems development. To be eligible for these programs, individuals need to be unemployed and non-EI clients. The Province is providing a total of $1.5 million to the five institutions, which will begin offering the programs in August. Another $3.7 million has been provided to fund a labour market consortium made up of 15 colleges and universities to fund training for at least 615 students across the province. The consortium model features a “hub” providing centralized coordination, support and shared expertise among the 15 member institutions that will deliver training in response to client and labour demands in their respective regions. The consortium approach supports government’s goal of enhanced system collaboration. The B.C. government, working with academic, industry and other partners is enabling British Columbians to gain the skills needed to successfully participate in our provincial labour market, and respond positively to changing workplace demands. Under the LMA, the Government of Canada is providing the Province approximately $66 million annually until 2013/14. Through a variety of programs, these funds will increase training for individuals who are low-skilled and require essential skills, or who require recognized credentials to reach their full potential in the current marketplace. They will also help increase access to training for unemployed individuals who are not currently Employment Insurance (EI) clients including, but not limited to, those who are underrepresented in the labour market. -30- | |
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