NDP MLA Harwinder Sandhu says skills training will help people in North Okanagan get back to work 

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VERNON – New Democrat MLA Harwinder Sandhu 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.

“A strong economic recovery involves people from all walks of life,” said MLA Sandhu. “By investing in skills training for young entrepreneurs, developing computer literacy, or supporting language training, we’re building the foundation for a better British Columbia, where more people are able to pursue the careers and lives they dream of.”

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

  • The Canadian Vocational Training Centre will deliver the AEGIS program to 60 participants throughout the Interior, including Vernon. This program is supported by an investment of $1,054,592
  • Community Futures North Okanagan will deliver the Fresh Trax Programto 20 youth and the Directions Employment Program to 15 people to upgrade computer literacy throughout the North Okanagan. These programs are supported by investments of $392,000 and $501,765, respectively
  • NexusBC will deliver the Training for Jobs Program to 18 people helping immigrants, francophones, and visible minorities find sustainable employment. This program is supported by an investment of $171,000
  • Partners in Resources (PIERS) will deliver the Piers for PEERS, BrightStart and ReStart Programs to a total of 170 people, supporting people at risk of homelessness, ESL Services and Foreign Credential navigation, and youth involved in the criminal justice system. These programs are supported by investments of $316,000, $358,499, and $637,500 respectively

MLA Sandhu 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