Richmondites who lost their jobs due to COVID-19 or who face barriers to employment will be able to get new skills training and learn about job opportunities through new community-based programs, according to the city’s MLAs.
Aman Singh, MLA for Richmond-Queensborough, said the pandemic was “devastating” for many who were already grappling with barriers to employment.
“Our recovery must lift everyone up, not just those at the top,” he said in a statement.
The provincial government has allocated $95 million to organizations around B.C. that provide skills training and employment services to over 9,000 people.
“By giving people the skills and opportunities they need to return to work or start a new career, we’re also boosting Richmond’s economy and providing more skilled workers for our local businesses” said Henry Yao, MLA for Richmond South Centre, in a statement.
Some of the programs available to people in Richmond, according the the city's MLAs, include the WarehouseAbilities program, delivered by Back in Motion, for 60 participants with disabilities.
This program helps prepare people for employment in the warehousing industry, including hands-on work experience and job placements.
The Immigrant Services Society of BC will deliver the Blaze program to 30 young, Lower Mainland entrepreneurs, providing them with skills training, business experience and peer-to-peer support as they build business connections.
Meanwhile, Progressive Intercultural Community Services will deliver the SAFE program, which enables domestic violence survivors across the Lower Mainland to prepare for work as medical office assistants, dental receptionists or early childhood educator assistants.
“These skills training programs are designed to meet people where they’re at and give them what they need to thrive in their career, whether that’s a new set of skills, job experience, or a mentor,” said Kelly Greene, MLA for Richmond-Steveston, in a statement. “No matter your education or work history, there is an opportunity out there for you.”
The $95 million in provincial funding will be distributed through three streams, according to the province: the Community Workforce Response Grant program, the B.C. Employer Training Grant program and the Skills Training for Employment programs.
The Community Workforce Response Grant, which is receiving $33 million, program prioritizes short-term skills training projects for low-skilled workers, youth, women, workers over the age of 55, Indigenous people, recent immigrants, people of colour and those with an employment history in an industry or sector impacted by the pandemic.
The B.C. Employer Training Grand Program, receiving $2.8 million, will help train British Columbians who are or were working in sectors affected by COVID-19 and will support training for people with disabilities.
Lastly, the Skills Training for Employment programs will be receiving $59.2 million for 117 new agreements to provide skills training leading to employment, as well as relevant wraparound supports to 5,200 British Columbians in 2021-22.
