May 20, 2010
Older Workers Plus New Skills Equal Better Jobs

VANDERHOOF – New funding of $355,000 will help older British Columbians in Vanderhoof and Fort St. James to gain new skills and new employment opportunities through the Canada - British Columbia Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOW) program.

“We are entering a decade of many new opportunities for Northern B.C. and, no matter your age, there will be a renewed high demand for skilled workers,” says Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad. “The best way to conquer unemployment is to ensure your labour force possesses the most updated skills and training.”

The program will be delivered through the region’s Enhancing Workplace Literacy Skills project. The TIOW is a federal-provincial/territorial cost-shared program to help unemployed older workers, primarily those aged 55 to 64 living in communities affected by high unemployment. This is one of 23 projects announced this week that will deliver a range of employment and skills training in 30 B.C. communities for close to 800 older British Columbians. Through the TIOW, individuals can get the skills they need to find and keep new jobs, or start their own business.

"It is essential that all Canadians have the opportunity to contribute to the Canadian economy," said the Honourable Diane Finley, federal Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. "Canadian workers are the backbone of our economy and it is important that our experienced workers in the labour force have the opportunity to update their skills so they continue to contribute to the economy."

Since 2008, over 1,700 British Columbians in more than 30 communities have been assisted through the TIOW. Including new projects announced today, over $21 million has been committed to helping B.C.’s older workers.

In 2009/10, over 25,000 British Columbians benefitted from more than 25 different employment and skills training programs funded as a result of the Canada-B.C. Labour Market Agreement, the Strategic Training and Transition Fund and the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers program, helping to meet the needs of British Columbia’s labour market. 

Visit John’s website at www.johnrustadmla.bc.ca

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