NDP MLA Nathan Cullen says skills training will help people in Stikine get back to work

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SMITHERS – New Democrat MLA Nathan Cullen 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 working to provide supports to people who may have lost their jobs due to the pandemic, and to those in vulnerable and underrepresented groups,” said Nathan Cullen, MLA for Stikine. “Through a new investment in community-based skills training projects, more people will have access to the training, job opportunities and supports they need to find their place in the post-COVID economy.”

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

  • Coast Mountain College is offering the Step Into Trades program that provides participants with work experience and skills for in-demand trades. This program is supported by an investment of over $473,000.
  • Kopar is offering The Net-Work Connections program which helps persons with disabilities develop digital literacy skills to find employment. This program is being supported by an investment of $587,510.
  • Kitselas Five Tier System LP is offering the K5T Employment-Youth and Equity-Seeking Groups program which provides participants with skills and training to find work in the trades. This program is being supported by an investment of $702,000.

MLA Nathan Cullen says $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/releases/2021AEST0051-001544

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