It’s estimated that by 2019, more than three-quarters of all jobs will require at least some post-secondary education.  B.C.’s new $3-million Targeted Skills Shortage Pilot Program (TSSP) will help local businesses and non-profit organizations train current staff to better meet the demands of a changing labour market.

This pilot program, funded through the Canada-BC Labour Market Agreement, is designed to help low-skilled employees who lack post-secondary training or other credentials gain new skills to improve productivity, take on new responsibilities and advance their careers. The TSSP targets four high-growth sectors where the demand for skilled workers over the next decade will be strong:

• transportation and warehousing;
• manufacturing;
• health care and social assistance; and
• professional, scientific and technical services.

The Targeted Skills Shortage Pilot Program, which is administered by the Association of Service Providers for Employability and Career Training (ASPECT), focuses on assisting low-skilled workers within businesses or non-profit organizations with less than 100 employees. Through the program, up to $1,500 per employee or $7,500 per employer is available to pay for tuition fees and purchase training services, books, manuals and other study materials.

Learn more by visiting the Targeted Skills Shortage Pilot Program website.