PORT ALBERNI – New Democrat MLA Josie Osborne 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.

“Entering the workforce for the first time or re-entering after a significant life event can be a challenge,” said MLA Osborne. “By supporting people through that phase, we’re helping them on the road to success, which in turn helps us all build strong, resilient and prosperous communities.”

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

• INEO Employment Counselling will deliver the Reset, Be-Set, and Peer Employment Programs to a total of 60 people with an investment of $540,123
• Island Work Transitions will deliver the Pathways Forward Program to 32 persons with disabilities with an investment of $367,866

MLA Osborne 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