NDP MLAs Anderson and Conroy say skills training will help people get back to work 

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KOOTENAYS – New Democrat MLAs Brittny Anderson and Katrine Conroy say 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.

“From starting a business to starting a new life in British Columbia after moving from abroad, everyone should have the opportunity to succeed,” said MLA Conroy. “Investments like these will help individuals, businesses, and communities build back better and prepare for the future.”

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

  • Kootenay Employment Services will deliver the LINK Program to 40 people with lived experience of homelessness with an investment of $641,290
  • Kootenay Career Development Society will deliver the Doorways Program, Youth Mean Business Program, En Route Program, and Headwaters Program to a total of 152 participants with a total investment of $2,231,958
  • The Greater Trail Community Skills Centre will deliver the HEART Program, Spark Your Startup Program, and Brave Beginnings for Newcomers Program to a total of 42 people with an investment of $697,216

“For a truly successful economic recovery, we need people from all walks of life bringing new ideas and innovation to the table,” said MLA Anderson. “Starting a new job or new business can be a daunting task, and we’re reaching out to offer support so that tomorrow’s entrepreneurs and inventors can start their journey today.”

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