Where do we go from here? Positioning BC’s Workforce to Capitalize on Regional Economic Opportunities Shannon Baskerville ASSISTANT DEPUTY MINISTER – Labour Market & Immigration Division Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation

Meeting BC’s Human Capital Needs MATCHING BC not only needs more skilled workers; it is imperative workers have the right skills to meet regional economic opportunities INFORMATION Government has developed strong labour market analytics and forecasting capability that enables us to know where job openings will be, and where there is a need for workers COLLABORATION Matching skills with job openings requires collaboration – from government, post- secondary institutions, employers, and other stakeholders

Case Study: NW Transmission Line Slide 3  400 km north of Terrace - between Skeena substation and Bob Quinn Lake  $404 million project  Will create 280 direct jobs for each year of construction  Bob Quinn Lake is 780 km from Prince George (UNBC, CNC); 530km from Prince Rupert (NWCC) Some human capital considerations:  As noted on the map – there are several other large proposed projects requiring human capital in the region  Can regional post-secondary and training system deliver?  Given remote/rural location, is temporary or permanent immigration effective?  How can local First Nations be involved in employment?

Changing the way we do business… Government action  BC Jobs Plan and “Skills for Growth”  Over $615M in labour market programs and initiatives  $1.9 billion per year invested in 25 post- secondary institutions

Aligning skills training to where the jobs are and to the needs of the local workforce  Refocusing labour market and training investments  Regional workforce tables Ensuring training and skills development will match the needs of sectors that are creating jobs  Sector workforce planning and skills development  Trades and Apprenticeship Planning Conference Attract British Columbians to job opportunities  New online tools will inform British Columbians about the job opportunities where they live Match new British Columbians to regional job opportunities  Explore potential for body to oversee foreign credential recognition  Expand the Provincial Nominee Program

Changing the way we do business requires shared responsibility and collaboration Government, employers and educators are all responsible for increasing domestic supply of skilled workers and attracting skilled newcomers.

Panel presenters What steps are you already taking to address your human capital challenges? What can others learn from your experiences?