B.C. premier announces plan to provide 5,000 youth and young adults work or skills training

The B.C. government is providing more than 5,000 youth and young adults access to skills training and jobs through a StrongerBC Future Leaders Program.

Premier John Horgan announced the almost $45-million program on Wednesday.

“This pandemic has set back many young people from starting their careers. We’re providing first-rate training and in-demand jobs that can lead to fulfilling, long-term careers,” Horgan said.

“Providing young adults with opportunities for stable, good jobs can change the direction of their lives, while helping British Columbia come back stronger and more resilient.”

0:43 B.C. premier asks young people to curb socialization amid latest spike in COVID-19 case numbers

The program will provide training, internships, job co-ops and jobs in the tech sector, environment and natural resource fields.

Four B.C. ministries will invest in this initiative, including the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy and the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.

The pandemic has had a disproportionate and significant impact on young British Columbians.

During the pandemic, youth unemployment peaked at 29 per cent, over 15 percentage points above the provincial average. As of March 2021, youth unemployment sits at 12.1 per cent, above the general unemployment rate in B.C. of 6.9 per cent.

2:05 How will the B.C. government support workers without sick days if their workplace is shut down?

“Young people continue to be disproportionally impacted in this pandemic. They have experienced higher rates of unemployment and the nature of the economy has been changing rapidly,” Economic Recovery and Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon said.

“This new program creates opportunities that young people need. It takes an inclusive approach that is tailored to the future economy, to ensure that Indigenous, Black, people of colour, women and people facing socio-economic barriers are able to participate in our growing economy and help build a stronger B.C.”

The bulk of the support will come from the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation investing $22 million to fund a minimum of 4,500 training spots and paid internships in two programs, in partnership with Innovate BC and the Digital Technology Supercluster.

The province has also appointed Nelson-Creston MLA Brittny Anderson as the premier’s special advisor on youth.

As Special Advisor on Youth, Anderson will serve as the point person for young people across government, providing a platform for them to engage directly with the province.