Clearwater, Barriere and Blue River are among 16 communities that are to be included in a human resource strategy being developed by Venture Kamloops.
According to a media release from Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation, Kamloops' economic development agency is receiving more than $108,000 in Labour Market Partnership funding. It has hired a consultant to look at a 10-year forecast of trends and emerging labour market issues. This includes the future needs of local employers, skills gaps, training requirements and barriers to hiring and retention.
An end-of-project report will be created by Aug. 31, 2015. Besides Clearwater, Barriere and Blue River, the report will provide a human resource strategy for 100 Mile House, Ashcroft, Cache Creek, Chase, Clinton, Lone Butte, Kamloops, Logan Lake, Lytton, Merritt, McBride, Sun Peaks and Valemount.
“Looking into the future to determine what communities need, and the types of workers required, is what these Labour Market Partnerships are all about,” said Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation Don McRae. “This kind of information is crucial for the future growth and health of communities and their workforces.”
Labour Market Partnerships are a component of the Employment Program of BC’s Community and Employer Partnerships fund for projects that share labour market information and increase employability throughout the province. Labour Market Partnerships help local employers, employee and employer associations, and communities develop ways to deal with worker shortages or changes in the job market so they can prepare for the future. Projects that provide opportunities for people who are often disadvantaged in the workforce, such as Aboriginal people, people with disabilities and youth, are encouraged.
In 2014-15, 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.