Ten mature workers in 100 Mile House are receiving the training they need to re-enter the workforce, thanks to more than $82,000 from the provincial and federal governments to Horton Ventures Inc.
The additional funding allows the employment centre to extend their Value in Experienced Older Worker training to June 30, 2017. The program is designed for older workers aged 55 to 64 years, and provides various employment support and activities to help participants pursue new jobs in their community.
On Feb. 17, MLA Donna Barnett visited students and instructors in the class, and heard about the skills that participants will gain through the program.
"Older workers bring invaluable life experience that benefits employers and their coworkers. I'm glad that the provincial and federal governments have extended the Targeted Initiatives for Older Workers program that is delivered by Horton Ventures Inc. This training will help more mature workers in 100 Mile House to pursue jobs in our community. I wish all the participants the best of luck in their training and future careers," said Barnett.
Last year, the governments provided $4.1 million to the successful Targeted Initiatives for Older Workers (TIOW) program in various B.C. communities. This program has been extended into 2017 with approximately $2 million in funding. The contract extensions will enable 12 service providers to continue delivering skills-training programs for older workers from January to the end of June 2017.
The Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada launched TIOW in 2007 to assist vulnerable communities that are facing labour force adjustments due to changes in the local economy. The program provides skills training and employment support to unemployed older workers so they can pursue longer-term jobs, further education or career training.