| June 28, 2010 Skill Training Pilots Lead to Community Programs BURNABY – Funding of over $154,000 will support new essential skills training opportunities for about 40 residents in and near Burnaby, helping companies, non-profit and other organizations improve worker efficiencies. “At a time when construction projects are on the rise this comes as very good news,” says Burnaby North MLA Richard T. Lee. “Workers will be able to build on their skills and ensure that they can contribute to the growth of their own careers and also their respective industry.” A partnership between the B.C. Construction Industry Skills Improvement Council and Construction and Specialized Workers’ Union Local 1611 will deliver essential skills interventions to about 40 workers. SkillsPlus is a unique program that brings delivery of essential skills training to the workplace, building literacy and other skills into everyday workplace practices and employee training. SkillsPlus projects will draw upon the learning tools and resources successfully developed through earlier pilots, and will enable over 600 employees in B.C. communities to benefit. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) there are strong links between higher literacy levels and a successful economy. Countries with higher skills levels also have more workers in the knowledge sector, a key area for B.C.’s future job growth. The B.C. government, working with academic, industry and other partners is enabling British Columbians to gain the skills needed to successfully participate in our provincial labour market, and respond positively to changing workplace demands. Under the Canada-B.C. Labour Market Agreement, the Government of Canada is providing the Province approximately $66 million annually until 2013/14. Through a variety of programs, these funds will increase training for employed individuals who are low-skilled and require essential skills, or require recognized credentials to reach their full potential in the current marketplace. They will also help increase access to training for unemployed individuals who are not currently Employment Insurance clients including but not limited to those who are underrepresented in the labour market. For more information on the Labour Market Agreement, visit www.WorkBC.ca. -30- |
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