VERNON – Up to 60 British Columbians in Vernon and surrounding areas are receiving the training they need for jobs in their communities, thanks to the federal-provincial partnership under the Canada-BC Job Fund Agreement.
Approximately $416,000 has been allocated to Okanagan College to deliver the Fast Track to Office Training Program.
The training program will prepare participants for jobs in office administration or entry-level bookkeeping, with certifications in introduction to office administration and basic accounting upon successful completion. To deliver the training, Okanagan College has partnered with local employers and the Neskonlith Indian Band in Chase and Salmon Arm, who have provided space and support for participants.
There are five intakes for this program. Four intakes started in fall 2016 and are underway, while the last intake will start in January. All training will be completed by June 2017.
This training is part of an investment of more than $12 million for 49 training projects benefiting approximately 2,000 British Columbians throughout the province, thanks to funding provided through the Canada-BC Job Fund Agreement under the Employer-Sponsored Training stream.
The Canada-BC Job Fund helps ensure training programs give individuals the skills to enter and succeed in the job market. The Employer-Sponsored Training stream provides funding for project-based, time-limited, employer-driven training that leads to a job at the end of training.
This includes targeted projects delivered by Aboriginal service providers, post-secondary institutions, industry associations, community groups, and private trainers that meet regional labour market needs. Employers also provide either financial or in-kind contributions to support the training.