New funding connects people with barriers to in-demand jobs

Link to News Release: https://news.gov.bc.ca/23355

Up to 30 eligible British Columbians with multiple barriers to employment will get skills training, preparing them for jobs in warehouses and the manufacturing sector in the Lower Mainland.

This is a new Community and Employer Partnerships (CEP) project from the Government of British Columbia.

“Access to stable employment is very important for British Columbians,” said Nicholas Simons, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “This unique training project in Abbotsford will give individuals the skills, confidence and support they’ll need to find work in B.C.’s warehouse and manufacturing sector, setting them up for success.”

The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction is providing nearly $350,000 to Triangle Community Resources in Abbotsford for its Warehousing and Employability Skills Training Program.

“Triangle is thrilled to be able to offer our new Warehousing and Employability Skills Training Program in the community,” said Louisa Johnson, director of programming and human resources. “Our vision is to work with clients by meeting them where they are at, respecting their experiences and individuality, and helping them find their purpose by providing clients with the motivation, personal development, life skills and technical skills to find and maintain meaningful employment in jobs that pay a living wage.”

Over the course of 18 weeks, participants will receive essential and occupational skills training as well as certifications, including Food Safe, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), Forklift Class 5, H2S Safety and Pallet Jack Class 3. Participants will also receive on-the-job work experience and five weeks of follow-up support to help them in their job search.

“Triangle Community Resources was one of the first service providers in our area to recognize and respond to clients with multiple barriers to employment,” said Pam Alexis, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission. “Congratulations to everyone involved with this important Community and Employer Partnership. I know it will benefit the participants, our local businesses and our entire region.”

Funding for this project is provided through the Project Based Labour Market Training stream of WorkBC’s CEP.

The first intake begins Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, and activities will run through until April 9, 2021. Anyone interested in finding out about eligibility requirements or applying for the next intake should contact their local WorkBC centre or Triangle Community Resources directly.

Quick Facts:

More than $15 million will be invested in CEP projects throughout B.C. in 2020-21.
CEP’s goal is to increase employment and work experience opportunities in communities throughout B.C.

Learn More:

Learn how CEP projects are helping local communities: www.workbc.ca/Employment-Services/Community-and-Employer-Partnerships.aspx

Find a local WorkBC centre: https://www.workbc.ca/Employment-Services/WorkBC-Centres/WorkBC-Centres-Listing.aspx