After more than 3,000 participants took part in British Columbia’s International LNG Conference, the Province and LNG Canada have announced $1 million in training funds for the construction sector.
Adding onto the $1 million contribution, companies can also apply to the Canada-BC Job Grant to access $500,000 for training taking place before April 1, 2016.
When that number breaks down, the government can cover up to $10,000 per worker.
Minister of Jobs, Tourism, and Skills Training Shirley Bond says the training doesn’t necessarily have to be LNG-related.
“We know that it (LNG) will have a far-reaching impact, so while the initial announcement is focused on Liquefied Natural Gas, if you’re a construction company supporting other avenues in the province, that funding will be available to them as well.”
One of the main hopes is that the funding will allow jobs to stay local, and help companies get the number of workers they need.
“One of the things they were very clear about was they wanted to ensure that the programs will be available across the province,” added Bond, “So there are going to be needs attached to this sector all across British Columbia. I think Northern companies are very well positioned in order to apply to this fund.”
More than 8,000 employees are receiving training through the Canada-B.C. Job Grant, and more than 2,000 employers have been approved for funding to train current and new employees.
The BC Construction Association’s is in charge of handing out the money, and posting criteria and application dates.
The announcement came on the heels of the 2015 International LNG in BC Conference, with 12 panels monitoring discussions around investment, technology & Innovation, and partnerships.
The conference saw representation from 58 BC communities and 37 First Nations.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
