The B.C. government is investing more than $3 million to support seven training programs aimed at helping Indigenous people, income assistance recipients and others facing employment barriers access in-demand jobs across the province.
The funding, provided through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement, will prepare participants for roles including construction workers, education assistants, hospitality workers and heavy-equipment operators.
“We want people to have the support they need, especially amid the increased cost of living and uncertainty from American tariffs,” said Sheila Malcolmson, minister of social development and poverty reduction. “So we are funding more training for the skills people need to take on good-paying jobs that help local communities.”
Training programs across B.C.
The seven projects are delivered through the Community and Employer Partnerships program and combine classroom training, work experience and followup support, according to the province.
Cowichan Green Community Society received $148,000 to train up to eight Indigenous participants in agriculture over 38 weeks in the Cowichan region on Vancouver Island. The program includes 22 weeks of classroom and field-based training, 14 weeks of hands-on farm experience and certifications in first aid, Food Safe, pruning and beekeeping from Vancouver Island University, according to the announcement. Training began June 30, 2025.
The Canadian Vocational Training Centre received more than $475,000 to provide 33 weeks of skills training and work experience to up to 30 Indigenous participants preparing for community support worker roles in Prince George, Langley and Kamloops, the province said. The first cohorts began training in July and August 2025.
Indigenous Community for Leadership and Development Inc. received more than $725,000 to train two groups of eight to 12 Indigenous participants for construction jobs on the Lower Mainland, according to the government. The program includes 15 weeks of training, three weeks of work experience and two weeks of followup support. The first cohort began Sept. 22, 2025, with a second starting Oct. 14, 2025.
Programs target specific populations
MOSAIC in Vancouver received more than $213,000 to train 24 Spanish-speaking immigrants receiving income assistance for building-service worker positions including janitors, caretakers and heavy-duty cleaners, the province said. Participants receive seven weeks of training, three weeks of on-the-job experience and two weeks of job-search support. The first cohort started Sept. 22 and finishes Dec. 12, 2025, with a second cohort running from Jan. 5 to March 27, 2026.
“I’m excited for this program, because it is opening a door to for me, providing training, certifications and experience,” said a participant in MOSAIC’s training program. “Most jobs today require these things and they’ve been a barrier for me to enter the workforce. I’m hoping this training program will help me launch my career.”
Okanagan College received more than $483,000 to support up to 25 Indigenous people and people with complex barriers to employment in Vernon, Penticton and Kelowna, according to the announcement. The 27-week education assistants training program provides occupational skills training and hands-on experience. Training began Sept. 8, 2025.
The college also received more than $592,000 for a hospitality and culinary essentials program that will train eight to 15 income assistance recipients per intake in Kelowna, Penticton and the North Okanagan/Shuswap region, the province said. The 21-week program includes 13 weeks of training, five weeks of work experience and two weeks of job-search support. Participants receive knife sets, uniforms and shoes. Training begins Oct. 20, 2025.
Quatsino First Nation Economic Development Corporation received more than $497,000 to train up to 15 Indigenous participants in Coal Harbour on Vancouver Island for heavy-equipment operator roles in forestry, road construction, civil infrastructure and excavation, according to the government. The program includes two weeks of work experience and job-search support. Training started July 2, 2025, and finishes Oct. 17, 2025.
Program history and funding
The Community and Employer Partnerships program is funded by the Government of Canada through Employment Insurance contributions from workers and employers, according to the province.
Eligible organizations including non-profits, Crown corporations, municipalities, Indigenous groups, public-health and educational institutions, and businesses can apply for funding to support training and work experience for B.C. job seekers, the government said.
Since 2012, the program has helped more than 7,200 people in British Columbia gain employment experience through more than 680 projects across the province, according to the announcement.
Jessie Sunner, B.C.’s minister of post-secondary education and future skills, said there will be more than one million job openings in B.C. over the next 10 years. “By investing in training and education, we are helping people access better jobs to build a stronger, future-ready workforce that drives economic growth,” Sunner said.
