The Coast now has another employment program available for those who need it.
The provincial government has announced a new $15 million employment and skills training program called Job Options BC, which will make its debut in Sechelt this week.
"There are unemployed British Columbians who are determined to do anything they can to find gainful employment, and this program will give them a helping hand in getting back into the job market," said Ida Chong, Minister of Regional Economic and Skills Development in a news release. "B.C.'s economic success depends on having a well-educated, highly skilled workforce, and Job Options BC is one more step in building the foundations for that success."
The province is committing to spend $15 million each fiscal year for Job Options BC, in an effort to ensure that success.
The Job Options BC program lasts up to 10 weeks and takes groups of 10 to 12 participants through sessions that are intended to increase participant skills and confidence leading to employment, or move participants into further employment interventions such as additional training.
During the first part of the program participants will go through a number of assessments, learn life skills and employability skills and learn new ways to find a job.
The second phase of the program offers additional skills training and well as work experience opportunities.
Individuals who complete the program can also access up to six months of additional support to help them succeed.
"Programs such as Job Options BC are vital to ensuring all Canadians have the essential skills they need to get good jobs and build better futures," said Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
Those eligible for the new program must be unemployed and not currently on employment insurance.
In Sechelt Job Options BC will run out of the Sunshine Coast Employment Centre. For more information, or to sign up for the course call the employment centre at 604-885-7443. You can also find out more about the program running locally on the employment centre's website at www.scces.ca.
