Funding provides incentive for employers to invest in training

The Canada-BC Jobs Grant provides eligible employers access to two-thirds of training costs.

Selkirk College offers many programs that fit well into the Canada-BC Jobs Grant program which provides employers an opportunity to access funds for two-thirds of training costs. — Photo courtesy Selkirk College

Employers in the West Kootenay-Boundary can access government funding to help bolster a trained workforce and prepare their sectors for the future.

The Canada-BC Jobs Grant provides eligible employers access to two-thirds of training costs in an effort to increase participation of British Columbians in the labour force. With grants of up to $10,000 per employee trained, the goal is to help individuals develop the skills necessary to find and keep a job.

“This is a key program that helps enhance the competitiveness and efficiency for employers in our region,” says Carol Currie, Kootenay Workforce Development Coordinator. “In 2015, the funds were exhausted quickly so it’s important that those interested in taking advantage of the funding act quickly.”

Applications for the construction sector are being accepted now and the application process for other high priority sectors opens on January 4, 2016. The high priority sectors under this program include: agrifoods, Aboriginal peoples and First Nations, forestry, manufacturing, mining and energy, natural gas, small business, technology and green economy, tourism, and transportation. Application forms are available online now and training must start by March 31, 2016.

Selkirk College Has Programs to Fit the Funding

Selkirk College is one of the post-secondary options in the region that offers programs and training in many of the areas identified by the Canada-BC Jobs Grant.

“There is a multitude of programs and courses at the regional college which would fit well into this funding,” says Currie. “Selkirk College’s Community Education and Workplace Training (CEWT) has many different options and other programs at the college provide exceptional training which employers can investigate further.”

While businesses can submit their applications directly to the province, there are also a number of contracted delivery partners who can assist in the application process. In the West Kootenay-Boundary companies can also obtain assistance in creating comprehensive training plans through local colleges. Those interested in options through Selkirk College can contact Carol Currie at 250-301-9225 or [email protected].