An important program for many people in the Merritt area began in September with the launch of the Single Parent Employment Initiative to help them achieve long-term, rewarding careers.
The Single Parent Employment Initiative is designed for women and men on income and disability assistance.
More than 16,000 single parents on income and disability assistance now have access to funding that can include up to 12 months of funded training for an in-demand job, or a paid work-experience placement.
Funding also includes child-care costs during training or work placement and for the first year of employment. Public transit costs to and from school are covered, along with a wide range of WorkBC Employment Services Centre programs such as workshops on resume writing and interview preparation.
In addition, through recent changes to our government’s income assistance program, families on income assistance and disability are eligible for increased earnings exemption (from $200 to $400 per month, or $300 to $500 per month for individuals with a child with disabilities) and supplemental health coverage for a year after they leave income assistance for employment.
We want all British Columbians to have the skills they need to be able to care for their families with well-paying, family-supporting jobs.
This investment of $24.5 million over five years helps ensure all British Columbians have an opportunity to benefit from our growing economy and move into the workforce with skills and training that fit with today and tomorrow’s job demands.
To learn more about Single Parent Employment Initiative, go to www.sdsi.gov.bc.ca/programs/spei.html.
Here in Merritt, single parents can visit the WorkBC Employment Services Centre at 2099 Quilchena Ave.
A WorkBC case manager will provide an employment assessment to determine eligibility for supports and services needed to secure long-term work.
