NDP MLAs say skills training will help people in Richmond get back to work

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RICHMOND – New Democrat MLAs Henry Yao, Kelly Greene, and Aman Singh say people whose jobs were affected by COVID-19, and those in marginalized or underrepresented groups, will be able to access new training and job opportunities to find their place as our economy recovers from COVID-19.

“By giving people the skills and opportunities they need to return to work or start a new career, we’re also boosting Richmond’s economy and providing more skilled workers for our local businesses” said Henry Yao, MLA for Richmond South Centre. “People are at the heart of our plan for a strong economic recovery.”

“These skills training programs are designed to meet people where they’re at and give them what they need to thrive in their career, whether that’s a new set of skills, job experience, or a mentor,” said Kelly Greene, MLA for Richmond-Steveston. “No matter your education or work history, there is an opportunity out there for you.”

“For many people who were already grappling with barriers to employment, the pandemic was devastating,” said Aman Singh, MLA for Richmond-Queensborough. “That’s why we’re investing in folks who need extra support. Our recovery must lift up everyone, not just those at the top.”

Many programs are already underway and additional training opportunities will start in the next few months. The following are some examples of the over 20 programs available to people in Richmond:

  • Back in Motion will deliver the WarehouseAbilities program to 60 participants with disabilities in Richmond and across the province. The program prepares people for employment in the warehousing industry through training which includes soft skills, job placements, and hands-on work experience. This program is supported by an investment of $800,970.
  • Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) will deliver the SAFE program, which enables survivors of domestic violence to prepare for work as medical office assistants, dental receptionists, or early childhood educator assistants. The program will provide 36 participants across the Lower Mainland with multilingual pre-employment, occupational training, work experience, and support services. This program is supported by an investment of $396,216.
  • The Immigrant Services Society of BC will deliver the Blaze program to 30 young entrepreneurs across the Lower Mainland. The program provides young people with skills training, business experience, and peer-to-peer support as they develop business connections. This program is supported by an investment of $286,832.

The MLAs say $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