Wednesday May 3, 2023 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Training workers for jobs of now and the future will build careers and help employers find the needed skilled workers.
“The new StrongerBC: Future Ready Action Plan will help thousands of people get the skills they need to succeed in the changing economy and help close the skills gap many businesses are facing. Our economy is growing and innovating quickly,” said Premier David Eby.
Last year it was announced by the Province that one million new jobs will need to be filled by 2030, and that 80 percent of those will require some level of post-secondary training.
Work is transforming:
“Work is transforming, and we have more job openings than skilled people,” said Eby today.
He said the province is taking action to make sure people are ready to seize new opportunities and build a good life in B.C.
Also that businesses are able find the people who drive our economy forward and deliver the services everyone relies on.
Five-part action plan:
The action plan is focused on five pillars:
- making post-secondary education more affordable, accessible and relevant to British Columbians;
- helping people reskill to find in-demand jobs so more employers facing current and future skills shortages can find the people they need;
- breaking down barriers so everyone can find a job where they can thrive;
- addressing Indigenous PeoplesÍ› workforce priorities;
- ensuring people new to B.C. find a career in the field in which they are trained.
Including older workers:
Future Ready intends to see the full spectrum of society reflected in the BC labour force and economy.
As such, workers of all ages are welcome to take part in the training grants available for micro-credentials.
That includes older workers who may be working out of financial necessity or out of interest in contributing further in their career sector, and whose employers seek to benefit by the experience and skill sets that older workers bring to society and the workplace.
Wide range of training available:
Over 400 areas of training are available. See list of available programs.
A grant of up to $3,500 will be provided to cover the cost of training participation.
Training grant recipients will receive a T5:
People who receive training grant income will receive a T5 to include on their tax return as investment income.
