Canada and British Columbia support skills training for older workers

THOMPSON-OKANAGAN – The Honourable James Moore, Minister Responsible for British Columbia, on behalf of the Honourable Pierre Poilievre, Minister of Employment and Social Development, along with Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour for
British Columbia, announced today that up to 470 unemployed older workers will benefit from 14 skills training projects in British Columbia (B.C.) under the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOW). 

Over $4.8 million of federal and provincial contributions will be invested in these projects to provide unemployed older workers living in small communities with skills upgrading activities, as well as training and work placements. The experience they will acquire will help them qualify for jobs and reintegrate into the labour market.

In the Thompson-Okanagan region, there will be two TIOW programs offered at the North Okanagan Employment Enhancement Society, and the College of the Rockies Golden campus, offering skills training to more than 80 people.

"This program has proven to be successful for older workers eager to continue their careers," said Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster. "This is vital for smaller communities in the North Okanagan, where people's experience combined with their new skills will be appreciated and valued."

The Government of Canada is providing approximately $8.7 million to B.C. under the renewed TIOW agreement, which provides funding for the three- year period between 2014 and 2017. TIOW is a cost-shared initiative under which the federal and provincial governments share program costs.

Quick Facts

* Since TIOW's launch in 2007, provinces and territories have targeted more than 35,500 unemployed older workers in small communities across the country for participation. In B.C., more than 4,300 individuals have been assisted to date.
* Approximately 75% of program participants throughout Canada have found paid employment following their participation in the program, and the majority of respondents believed that their participation in the program improved their employability.
* The B.C. Labour Market Outlook (http://www.workbc.ca/Statistics/Labour-Market/Labour-Market-Outlook.aspx) indicates that, by 2022, there will be 1 million job openings in B.C. due to the growing economy and anticipated retirements. Among these openings, 44% will be in trades and technical occupations.
* Overall, labour demand is expected to grow faster than labour supply in B.C. As a result, tight labour market conditions, where the demand for workers surpasses the supply of workers, are expected starting in 2019.