B.C. funds First Nations skills and development study

Lower Mainland First Nations will be developing strategies to gain in-demand skills and training as part of a Labour Market Partnership study funded by the government of British Columbia.

The eight-month study received over $156,000 in funding from the B.C. government and is a collaboration between the Kwikwetlem First Nation, Musqueam First Nation, Squamish First Nation, Tsleil-Waututh First Nation and Kwantlen Polytechnic University, B.C. said in a statement.

A million job openings are expected in B.C. by 2022. The study will provide participating First Nations with a roadmap to help the people in their communities gain the skills they need to participate in B.C.’s growing economy.

John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation said, “This project will ensure the industry has access to a skilled workforce and help Aboriginal people gain the skills they need to secure jobs in growing sectors like LNG.”

B.C. government informs the project researchers will work with Lower Mainland industries to compile a list of in-demand skills and jobs and then survey Aboriginal communities to identify existing employment and training gaps. The final report will contain strategies to focus skills training and development to help First Nations secure employment with local industry.

Initial industry participants include Woodfibre LNG and Fortis BC, among others.

Image: gov.bc.ca