COWICHAN – New Democrat MLA Debra Toporowski says that more people in the Cowichan Valley are gaining employment skills at the Cowichan Green Community Society, setting them up to find good jobs.

“Getting hands-on experience is one of the best ways people can prepare for solid careers,” said Debra Toporowski, MLA for Cowichan Valley. “This investment will help a new generation of Indigenous learners to connect and work with the land in their own communities.”

Cowichan Green Community Society is providing a 38-week training program in Cowichan supported by $148,000 in funding. Up to eight Indigenous participants will receive 22 weeks of classroom and field-based agricultural training, 14 weeks of hands-on-farm experience and two weeks job search support. Graduates will earn certifications in First Aid, Food Safe, pruning, and beekeeping from Vancouver Island University. Training began on June 30, 2025.

The provincial government, in partnership with the Government of Canada, is funding over $3 million to support seven different training programs across B.C. that are preparing people for in-demand jobs such as construction workers, education assistants, hospitality workers or heavy equipment operators in forestry, civil infrastructure and excavation.

Labour market training projects, funded through the Community and Employer Partnerships program, deliver employment and skills training to help people on their path to rewarding careers while involving local communities, employers and industry representatives. They provide a combination of classroom training, work experience and follow-up support to help participants improve their employment skills and prepare them for in-demand jobs in different parts of B.C.