VICTORIA, B.C (Jan. 20, 2003) - British Columbia's growing residential construction industry will soon get more of the skilled workers it desperately needs thanks to an innovative new program called HardHATS, which provides people on income assistance with training for entry-level trades positions.

HardHATS was designed and developed with industry consultation. The 10-week hands-on job skills training and placement program is a partnership between the Canadian Home Builders' Association of British Columbia and Grant Thornton Job Placements Inc. Kwantlen University College and Camosun College have been contracted to deliver the program.

HardHATS is financed by the Ministry of Human Resources as part of the B.C. Government's Training for Jobs Program. Training for Jobs assists BC Employment and Assistance clients who need specific skills training in order to find sustainable jobs. Clients are referred to the program through their Ministry of Human Resources Employment and Assistance worker.

"HardHATS is a good example of how we are working with businesses and communities to help income assistance clients gain the skills they need for long term employment," said Murray Coell, Minister of Human Resources. "It's good to see people becoming more self-reliant and it's good to see local businesses getting the skilled employees they need to grow."

Over the next few years, BC will need to fill thousands of new trades positions as job openings in the construction sector are expected to increase by 1.6 per cent per year. It's a situation that has had Skills Canada, the Canadian Home Builders' Association of British Columbia, the Canadian Construction Association and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business concerned, until now.

"The Canadian Home Builders' Association of B.C. represents an industry consortium of more than 1050 members who are actively seeking skilled workers," said M.J. Whitemarsh, Chief Executive Officer. "HardHATS graduates will provide our members with qualified job ready employees. This will save them thousands of dollars in employee screening and training, so it's smart business and everyone wins."

To enter the one-year pilot program, candidates must be on BC Employment and Assistance, physically able to perform strenuous job functions, between the ages of 15 and 50, and have an interest and a desire to be involved in the construction trade. Referrals to the HardHATS program will be focused in the Lower Mainland and Victoria areas, where the need for jobs is greatest.

To successfully complete the HardHATS program, each participant must maintain a 90 per cent attendance record and achieve a passing grade of 70 per cent. Graduates will be provided with post placement coaching and mentoring support for a period of 12 months to help with their transition into the workforce.

The HardHATS curriculum includes life skills, trades overview, safety, occupational first aid and job search strategies. Trades training includes welding, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, framing, roofing, sheet metal and mechanical.

Christine Stoneman, Vice President of Grant Thornton Job Placements Inc., said she anticipates 100 participants will successfully complete the first HardHATS job training program which starts in January, 2003.

"We know this framework for employment training works," said Stoneman. "We have administered several employment and training programs aimed at income assistance recipients, and so far, we've placed more than 14,500 people into long-term employment."

Stoneman said one of the keys to their success is the strong support system that helps participants regain their dignity, their sense of self worth and their independence.

"Our staff understands the importance of helping clients with job readiness support, job placement assistance, and being there with follow-up contact to ensure they achieve their independence in the workforce. The program is performance based - this means that the financial win for the partners is only completely fulfilled when HardHATS graduates have been successfully employed in their new jobs for at least 12 months."

For more information please contact:
Christine Stoneman Vice President Grant Thornton Job Placements Inc 250-383-4191

M.J. Whitemarsh CEO Canadian Home Builders' Association Of British Columbia 604-432-7112