NDP MLA Grace Lore says skills training will help people in Greater Victoria get back to work

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VICTORIA – New Democrat MLA Grace Lore says people whose jobs were affected by COVID-19, and those in vulnerable or underrepresented groups, will be able to access new training and job opportunities to find their place as our economy recovers from COVID-19.

“Our government is supporting these programs to equip people with the skills they need to succeed and thrive as we build a strong economic recovery. The importance of strong, relevant skills is as important as ever as we have seen many British Columbians facing precarious work and the need to change careers and jobs during the pandemic.” said Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill.

Many programs are already underway and additional training opportunities will start in the next few months. Programs being offered in Greater Victoria include:

  • Bridges for Women will deliver the online Bridges Employment Program to 30 participants. This program is supported by an investment of  $196,042.
  • Skill Source Group Training Organization Society will deliver the Introduction To Roofing Program to 34 participants in Langley, Langford and Victoria. This program is supported by an investment of  $339,000.
  • Camosun College will deliver the Multi-Industry Trades Exploration & Employment to 48 participants in Greater Victoria, Bella Bella, Bella Coola, and Tofino. This program is supported by an investment of  $480,056.
  • Vancouver Island Construction Association will deliver the Construct Your Future Program to 24 participants in Victoria and Nanaimo. This program is supported by an investment of $642,148.
  • Cambria College will deliver the Medical Office Assistant Certificate Project to 35 participants in Victoria beginning March 2022. This program is supported by an investment of $308,000.

MLA Lore says a total of $95 million has been allocated to organizations around the province that provide skills training and employment services to over 9,000 people. This investment includes both provincial and federal funding through the Canada-B.C. Workforce Development Agreement.

This is part of the New Democrat government’s Economic Recovery Plan to help thousands of people upskill or reskill and find good, sustainable jobs. These programs complement a provincial investment of $20 million earlier this year for short-term training projects to help people enter or rejoin the workforce.

Learn More:  https://news.gov.bc.ca/25086

If you are an employer seeking funding to train new or existing staff, see B.C. Employer Training Grant:  https://www.workbc.ca/Employer-Resources/BC-Employer-Training-Grant.aspx

If you are unemployed and looking for a program that can help you get back on your feet and into the labour market, see STE Economic Recovery Programs:

https://www.workbc.ca/Training-Education/STE-Economic-Recovery-Programs.aspx