Older Workers Getting AWARE Computer Job Training

Release. A shortage of administrative workers in the New Westminster, Newton and Cloverdale areas has led to a government-funded partnership with the AWARE Society, worth nearly $368,000.

The TECH 45+ project will provide relevant work skills and experience to at least 36 workers, targeting people aged 45 years and older who need their computer expertise upgraded.

The participants will receive nine weeks of employability and
occupational skills training including Sprott Shaw computer
certification, five weeks of on-the-job work experience with local
employers and a minimum of two weeks of followup job-search support.

“Businesses and organizations require office personnel with current and
relevant computer training. This partnership will certainly benefit both
employers and workers looking to upgrade their skills.” – Surrey-Cloverdale MLA Stephanie Cadieux

Other courses offered during the project will include money skills, first
aid and customer service. The first session began on Feb. 16, 2015, in
New Westminster. Two other sessions are scheduled to begin, one in May in
Newton, and another in August in Cloverdale. The project will wrap up in
December 2015.

Project-Based Labour Market Training helps groups of people with on- or
off-the-job employment training and is a component of Community and
Employer Partnerships (CEP), which were introduced in April 2012 as part
of the Employment Program of BC.

To date, nearly 560 job seekers have benefited from work experience and
nearly 140 projects have been funded throughout the province.

“Computer skills are essential in today’s job market. This Community and
Employer Partnership will help these individuals get the training they
need to help them secure a good job in office administration.” – Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation Michelle Stilwell

Quick Facts:

* In 2015-16, the ministry has committed to investing $331 million in
employment and labour market programs under the Employment Program of BC.

* The Employment Program of BC is funded by the Province of British
Columbia as well as the Government of Canada through the Labour Market
Development Agreement.

* Funding supports 84 WorkBC Employment Services Centres throughout the
province and the four components of the Community and Employer
Partnerships fund:

o Job Creation Partnerships
o Labour Market Partnerships
o Project-Based Labour Market Training
o Research and Innovation

* The Community and Employer Partnerships program is featured in B.C.’s
Skills for Jobs Blueprint that helps align training and education with
in-demand jobs and provides more support to people who are struggling to
gain a foothold in the job market or who face unique challenges.

Who is eligible?

* Businesses
* Non-profit organizations
* Municipalities, agencies or territorial governments
* Bands/tribal councils
* Public health and educational institutions

Learn More:

For more information on Job Creation Partnerships and Community and
Employer Partnerships: www.workbc.ca/CEP

To find a local WorkBC Employment Services Centre: www.workbccentres.ca

To learn more about the Ministry of Social Development and Social
Innovation: www.gov.bc.ca/sdsi

To learn more about AWARE Society: www.awaresociety.bc.ca

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