September 17, 2009 - 2:03am
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Vancouver Island University is one of 15 universities and colleges in BC
that will share an investment of 3.7 million dollars from the provincial
government towards skills training for the unemployed.
The province is investing the money into the Employment Skills Access
(ESA) program at educational institutions to help unemployed British Columbians
acquire the skills they need to transition back to the labour force or into
further education.
“I am thrilled with this announcement,” said
Barbara Park, Administrative Coordinator for the Centre for Continuing Studies
on the Cowichan campus of VIU. “I know it will support a number of individuals
in making really significant changes in their lives.”
The
ESA program, funded through Advanced Education and Labour Market development,
is being administered by a consortium of 15 post-secondary institutions across
BC (of which VIU is one). The consortium budget totals $3.7M to serve 615
unemployed people in need of basic employability and job-related skills
upgrading across the province. Each of the 15 community colleges/universities
has been given a funding envelope of approximately $230,000 to reach a targeted
minimum of 41 unemployed individuals in their region. The program is designed
to provide more direct access to general employment and skills upgrading
opportunities for unemployed people in our respective communities.
“This funding is important because it recognizes
the value of education in transforming people’s lives,” said Park. “Access to
tuition or support gained in employment readiness programs can make a world of
difference in moving toward fulfilling work. The ESA program supports people in
identifying a training goal based on self-knowledge and awareness of the
current labour market. Everyone wins when community members are given a boost
to seek training and employment.”
“This is an excellent and important program,” said
Dr. Ralph Nilson, VIU President. “This funding allows us to help our community
members gain the necessary skills and training to excel in the workplace. At
VIU, program participants can draw on a wide-range of vocational, certificate,
and workplace-based training programs to support their education and career
goals.”
The Program is open to people who are currently
unemployed and who are not currently receiving, nor eligible to receive,
Employment Insurance. It is especially relevant for individuals who face
financial and training-related barriers. The ESA Program will help close the
skills gap for many individuals who are struggling to enter (or re-enter) the
job market without the skills and credentials they need to get ahead.
“At VIU, we are in active discussions with
community partners and local service providers to promote training access
through the ESA Program to help offset the tuition and associated participation
costs for eligible participants,” said Lynne MacFadgen, ESA Program Manager for
VIU. “I am delighted we have this
program to support unemployed people in our region.”
VIU is also customizing training programs to meet
the needs of individuals within their communities. VIU representatives have
been meeting with representatives from Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council to discuss
ways to provide training access for people living in remote First Nations
communities. Current focus is also on essential skills for the scallop
industry, core courses for marine safety certification, and entry-level
carpentry and culinary arts programs.
“ESA is a true access initiative that provides
essential skills upgrading, employment preparation and support to enable more
people to secure (and retain) gainful employment in these tough economic
times,” said MacFadgen. “It offers more direct access to training, closer to
home, with training solutions that respond to both individual and community
needs.”
For more information on the ESA Program, please
contact Lynne MacFadgen at 250-618-5372 or lynne.macfadgen@viu.ca or contact Barbara Park at
the Cowichan Campus at 250-746-3572 or Barbara.park@viu.ca
Tags: In the Community
