A dozen people in northern B.C. will now be able to train for jobs as certified community support workers and community mental-health workers.
The province is providing funding to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) to deliver the community support worker diploma training project.
The primary focus is on training young people aged 30 or younger in northern B.C.
Also identified for training are Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, immigrants, people with multiple barriers to employment, and survivors of violence and/or abuse.
"We all want young people to have both meaningful work and more services, to build better lives," said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.
"Through this training, youth in northern B.C. will get in-demand jobs, while people living in the region will have more support workers in their own communities."
As many as 12 participants will receive 27 weeks of employability and occupational skills training, six weeks of on-the-job experience with community-support employers, and one week of followup support to prepare participants for work as certified community support workers and community mental-health workers.
"Investing in employment opportunities, particularly for underserved populations, is not just about economic growth, it's about nurturing the mental well-being of our communities," said Sarah Lloyd, executive director, CMHA Northern BC.
"This initiative is a testament to our commitment to creating opportunities that not only prepare individuals for the jobs of tomorrow, but also contribute to their overall well-being."
Participant activities will begin on Oct. 23, 2023, and end June 21, 2024.
