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By Liam Verster

Skills Training

Province investing in skills training programs in North Okanagan

Aug 5, 2021 | 12:20 PM

The B.C. government is investing in skills training programs to help those in the North Okanagan affected by COVID-19 and in vulnerable and underrepresented groups.

The province says there are already programs underway in the region for people to access training and job opportunities, which is helping the economy recover from the pandemic.

However, there is a need for more programs and training opportunities, which will launch in the upcoming months. These programs include:

• The AEGIS program, run by the Canadian Vocational Training Centre, will support 60 participants throughout the Interior, including Vernon. The program is supported by a $1,054,592 investment.
• Community Futures North Okanagan will offer the Fresh Tax Program to 20 youths, and the Directions Employment Program to 15 people to upgrade computer literacy. Those programs are supported by investments of $392,000 and $501,765, respectively.
• The Training for Jobs Program, run by NexusBC, will have 18 people helping immigrants, francophones and visible minorities find sustainable employment. This program is supported by a $171,000 investment.
• Partners in Resources (PIERS) will offer the Piers for PEERS, BrightStart and Restart Programs to a total of 170 people. The program will support people at risk of homelessness, English Second Language Services and Foreign Credential navigation, and youth involved in the criminal justice system. There programs are supported by investments of $316,000, $358,499, and $637,500 respectively.

“A strong economic recovery involves people from all walks of life,” said Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee.

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“By investing in skills training for young entrepreneurs, developing computer literacy, or supporting language training, we’re building the foundation for a better British Columbia, where more people are able to pursue the careers and lives they dream of.”

These projects are being funded through the B.C. government’s Economic Recovery Plan, which aims to help thousands of people upskill or reskill to find good, sustainable jobs.