The Government of BC invests in training programs

From software systems development and auto refinishing, to underground mining, shellfish aquaculture and a host of other programs, the B.C. government is investing over $13 million in new employment skills training in regions throughout British Columbia.

BCIT will be participating through two industry related training programs.

The Software Systems Developer program is a full-time 30 week program preparing participants for entry-level careers in web design and development.

The second program is Business Skills Training. This program enables participants to acquire relevant entry-level business skills, up-to-date training with computer-based business applications and an understanding of what an appropriate career path may be for their interests and aptitudes.

“BCIT is constantly in dialogue with the government and will support students and access to education across the province,” said Don Wright, BCIT president. “Industry-ready training will assist students’ entry or re-entry into the work-force.”

As part of ‘Canada Starts Here: The B.C. Jobs Plan’, over 50 skills training programs are being delivered by 20 post-secondary institutions throughout the province under the government’s Employment Skills Access Initiative (ESA). This project is funded within government’s existing fiscal plan.

Through ESA, eligible British Columbians are provided with tuition-free, group-based training at public, post-secondary institutions to prepare them for entry or re-entry into the labour force. ESA skills training programs are primarily focused on preparing participants for entry-level employment in industries, sectors or occupations that are currently experiencing or are projected to experience labour or skills shortages.

“Higher education is key to our province’s growth and prosperity as we develop the workers of the future,” says Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of Advanced Education. “Under the BC Jobs Plan, we’re working with our quality post-secondary institutions to increase learning and employment opportunities, building the foundation for a stronger economy.”

Training programs are expected to be at least three weeks in duration, to a maximum of 12 months, with an emphasis on programs that provide participants with provincially or industry-recognized credentials. For occupations with established provincial standards for training and certification, training programs must follow and meet those standards.

Participants in programs must be unemployed individuals who have not established an Employment Insurance claim in the past three years, or five years in the case of maternity/parental leave.

The Employment Skills Access Initiative is funded through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement (LMA).

Over the next decade, British Columbia is projected to have over one million job openings. A new wave of economic growth stimulated by the BC Jobs Plan will further increase the number of jobs. The BC Jobs Plan will ensure the over $500 million provided annually for labour market and training programs is targeted to meeting regional and industry labour market needs.

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For further information, media can contact:

Dave Pinton
Acting Manager, Media Relations
Tel: 604.432.8306
Cell: 778.928.2288
dave_pinton@bcit.ca