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Targeted skills spots at KES going fast

East Kootenay businesses and non-profit organizations can help increase the potential of their low skilled employees through government-funded training...
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East Kootenay businesses and non-profit organizations can help increase the potential of their low skilled employees through government-funded training. But they need to hurry in order to get one of 60 spaces available to the East Kootenay.

“These spots are going to go fast — applications are already flooding in,” said Eden Yesh, who is coordinating the ASPECT (Association of Service Providers for Employability and Training) Targeted Skills Shortage Program (TSSP) for Kootenay Employment Services (KES) in Creston.

Eligible employees can be provided with up to $1,500 ($7,500 per employer) to be used towards training courses that are specific to the employee’s workplace need.

“Candidates meet with a training co-ordinator to determine what type of courses they need to help them grow in their organization,” Yesh said. “The training coordinator will then fit the needs of the employer and employee to the appropriate courses.”

TSSP is targeted to businesses and organizations in the professional, scientific and technical services, healthcare and social assistance, transportation and warehousing, and manufacturing sectors.

Designed to help employees become more valuable in their workplace, TSSP is one way for employers to demonstrate interest in their employees’ professional development or skill enhancement.

“Ongoing training helps to create the reputation of a great place to work and results in less absenteeism and a longer list of job applicants,” Yesh said. “Training your existing staff builds a motivated and committed team. It also increases employee motivation, job satisfaction and morale among employees.”

TSSP is funded through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement.

For more information about TSSP, employers or employees can call Kootenay Employment Services at 250-428-5655 or fax 250-428-5336, or visit KES at 119 11th Avenue North.