The B.C. government has launched a new Skills Training for Economic Recovery program in order to support people affected by COVID-19 to get access to new training opportunities for high-demand jobs.
“As the Labour Force Survey has shown us, our employment numbers continue to be affected by the pandemic. That’s why our government’s investment in enabling thousands of people to reskill or upskill through new, innovative short-term training programs in sought-after fields is so important,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training. “These short-term training projects enable people to get the training they need to get back to work and take advantage of high-demand jobs.”
The government is investing $20-million to provide short-term skills training to people most affected by COVID-19 so they can develop the knowledge, skills and competencies for good job opportunities while the economy recovers. Almost 2,500 British Columbians will be able to quickly build the skills needed to access jobs that are in demand and get back to work sooner.
“We know there are British Columbians who are really struggling through this pandemic and we want to help,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. “I’m proud we are investing in short-term skills training projects that allow people throughout the province to access training to get them back to work and help rebuild our economy.”
The new program is a stream within the Community Workforce Response Grant program and will provide funding for training providers to equip British Columbians with skills for new jobs. Programs offer a diverse range of opportunities and will prepare people for careers in areas such as technology, manufacturing, hospitality, horticulture and automotive trades.
Some programs are underway such as:
- The First Nations Technology Council’s Focus Web Development project, which will provide Indigenous participants with digital skills training for careers in the technology sector.
- Aspect Safety will provide training that prepares participants for employment on major industrial projects in northwest B.C.
“Through the Skills Training for Economic Recovery program, we are excited to be delivering over 1,500 industry-recognized construction certificates to residents in rural and remote communities in northern B.C.,” said Jesse Santos, general manager, Aspect Safety. “We’ve seen early successes of the program in the job market, and are proud that the enrolment of women and Indigenous participants in our programming is significantly above industry average.”
