Workforce Development Fund
Historically, training and human resource initiatives have been funded through government programming. Government programs, however, generally:
- do not work in partnership with industry
- have restrictive criteria and thus lack the capacity to respond to the unique needs of targeted communities such as the DTES
The Workforce Development Fund’s goal is to collaborate with businesses as they strive to realize their human resource needs. This Fund comprises a demand driven model that ensures all training, supports and services are firmly grounded in industry, and will ultimately contribute to the capacity building of inner-city business, community agencies and residents.
Goals
The Workforce Development Fund was created with private sector funds. It was designed to:
- increase growth of inner-city businesses through innovative skill investment
- increase the strength of the inner-city workforce while decreasing economic inactivity and benefit dependence
- strengthen the relationship between the inner-city and industry
Strategy
BOB will employ an individualized approach to addressing industry and resident needs, ensuring that the Workforce Development Funds go to training and supports that contribute to economic growth in the DTES. The fund will be used to assist businesses to address their labour shortages in entry level jobs, as well assist them to move employees into higher skilled jobs. It is expected that employee movement into higher skilled positions shall create openings in the vacated lower skilled positions for inner city residents.
The Fund will be managed internally by BOB staff and will be monitored and tracked for activity levels consistent with BOB’s Business Plan. For now this a limited Fund, and when monies are exhausted the project will end — unless BOB can secure additional funding.
BOB will endeavour to support as many inner-city businesses and residents as possible, and while there is no minimum/maximum amount per person, we will look at the number of applicants, the needs of the employers, and make assessments that will maximize the benefits of the Fund.
Fund Terms and Conditions
- The Workforce Development Fund will be considered to the mutual benefit of the employer, the employee, and the community.
- Training must be identified as a result of industry and/or community collaboration (i.e. a business identifies a need for trained employee, or a community agency identifies an opportunity to collaborate with a business to fulfill the business’s human resource need).
- Employers will be expected to contribute in some manner (e.g. partial funding, time off for employee to take training, etc.) to the initiative. If the funds are to be utilized by an underemployed/employed individual, the business must demonstrate that the requested training increases its business capacity and/or creates additional employment opportunities.
- Training must occur at:
- an accredited training institute; or
- if at another location, with approval from BOB. We reserve right to refuse the use of a training institution if it is believed the training will not benefit the business or the employee.
- Funds will be made available to both the unemployed and underemployed.
- All funds to be used directly for training and training related costs (textbooks, etc.)
- Applications for funding under the Workforce Development Fund must be approved by BOB in advance of applicant starting training. Any costs incurred prior to receiving approval are not eligible for reimbursement.
- Funds will be paid directly to the training institute wherever possible. Some exceptions may be made at the discretion of BOB.
- If appropriate, funds will be pooled for the purchase of training. For instance, if a business has several positions available, efforts will be made to purchase group seats.
- Funds must be used within 6 months of being provided
Eligibility Criteria
- Inner-city business defined as operating within the following boundaries:
- Downtown Eastside (DTES) include Chinatown, Gastown, and Strathcona.
- Mount Pleasant
- Vancouver South
- Residents defined as living within or accessing services within the following boundaries:
- Downtown Eastside (DTES) include Chinatown, Gastown, and Strathcona.
- Mount Pleasant
- Vancouver South
- An application for funding must be in response to a job and/or training opportunity initiated through industry. A letter from the employer (or prospective employer) is necessary.
- A Workforce Development Fund application form must be completed before BOB can assess an application for individuals who are unemployed. New employees must also register with BOB’s Supported Employment Program.
Email Liz Charnya for more information.