NDP MLA Nicholas Simons says skills training will help people on Sunshine Coast get back to work 

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SUNSHINE COAST – New Democrat MLA Nicholas Simons 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.

“The path for people to a job they love getting up for in the morning can sometimes be bumpy,” said MLA Simons. “Our government is investing to make it as smooth as possible for people to get themselves into the workforce and contribute to prosperous communities as we recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and build a stronger B.C.”

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

  • The Ethos Career Management Group will deliver the RiseUP Program to 56 people with an investment of $726,733
  • The Open Door Group will deliver the Career Pathways to Success program in to 64 persons with disabilities and 40 survivors of domestic violence with investments of $590,478 and $516,526, respectively.
  • Vancouver Island University will deliver the Pre-Employment Services Program to 35 people with disabilities with an investment of $209,395

MLA Simons 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