B.C. Government Invests $44.5 Million to Expand Skills Training for Employment

The B.C government has announced it will be significantly expanding skills training for employment programs to provide greater opportunities for those who are facing barriers to entering the workforce. The investment of $44.5 million over three years will help nearly 7,500 people across the province gain the skills they need to secure meaningful and promising jobs. The program aims to provide skills training and wraparound support to remove barriers to participating in programming and gaining employment.

The skills training for employment programs were launched in 2019 as part of the StrongerBC Future Ready Plan. The program provides job skills, certificates to meet job or industry requirements, essential workplace skills, adult basic education, and academic upgrading. In addition to these services, the program also offers additional supports for individuals who are facing social or financial barriers to employment. These supports may include employment assistance, counseling, mentoring, job placements, Indigenous cultural supports, child care, transportation, disability supports, work experience, wage subsidies, equipment, employer connections, and other tailored individual supports.

Selina Robinson, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, said, “Education and skills training is a great equalizer that can help transform lives. With the right supports, we can help people overcome their challenges to entering the workforce, and help them to thrive in a new, promising and meaningful job.”

The expansion of the skills training for employment programs for individuals facing multiple barriers aligns with the StrongerBC Future Ready plan to make post-secondary education and skills training more affordable and accessible. Additionally, this initiative also addresses the biggest challenge that businesses are currently facing, which is the need for skilled, trained, and talented people.

Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, stated, “British Columbians want to get into the workforce, so we’re removing barriers to skills training. This investment will help more people prepare for and find good jobs that support them and their families.”

The budget for 2023 has also invested $480 million over three years to support the Future Ready plan’s efforts to break down barriers to post-secondary training. This investment aims to provide more people with the necessary training to pursue in-demand careers, while also ensuring that employers have access to the skilled talent they need to grow and prosper.

Overall, the government’s planned investment in skills training for employment programs is a significant step forward in providing greater access to employment opportunities for individuals facing multiple barriers. By investing in skills training and providing additional supports, the government is helping to transform lives, while also addressing the talent gap that businesses are currently facing. This investment will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the economy and the lives of many individuals across the province.