Skills for B.C.

Engagement Summary

In the Fall of 2012, the government engaged with British Columbians to discuss opportunities and solutions related to skills training. Premier Christy Clark asked British Columbians to help address five key challenges to building British Columbia’s workforce by asking 5 online questions over 6 weeks.
 
Timeframe: Public consultation was held from November 1 – December 13, 2012
 
Input Received

• 52,000 website visits
• 500 online comments
• 200 ideas reviewed
• 125 ideas implemented
• 4 million reached over social media

Input leads to action:

See how some of citizen ideas lead directly to government action:
 
Karen’s Idea: Karen suggested we need to find creative ways to make parents aware that trades are a first-choice career path. “I’ve been using this slogan — ‘trades first, university later,'” she said. “Parents are still intent on sending their kids to university, and for me, this needs to change. Parents play a vital role in their kids career futures — that’s why this opportunity matters.” See more about Karen’s idea.
 
Steve’s Idea: Steve’s idea was for industry, government and technical schools to conduct surveys and collect data to better determine skilled-labour market demands in the future. “I wanted there to be up-to-date information on skilled-labour market information. A place for students, parents, and other job-seekers to figure out how and where to get trained-up,”. See more about Steve’s idea.
 
Clint’s Idea: Clint is a strong voice for tradespeople. He’s an advocate for mentoring as a way to change younger people’s perceptions of trades. He recognizes the responsibility journeymen share for the future of BC. See more about Clint’s idea.
 
Harla’s idea: Harla Batinovic is an IT systems professional with over a decade in the BC tech sector. She submitted her idea to the Skills4BC engagement. Why? because she is passionate about her kids’ futures. “I have three kids and they’re getting to an age where it’s important to start thinking about career options,” said Harla.  See more about Harla’s idea and why she submitted to government.
 
Gary’s idea: The Trades Exploration program at School District 63’s Claremont Secondary has sprung into action. The semester-long program is a ‘trades teaser’ that gives students trades training, as well as hands-on work experience with carpentry, plumbing, welding/metal fabrication and electrical. The program is in its first semester and is offered to students in School District 63 and beyond. You can see more about Gary’s idea and the solution.
 
Johanne’s idea: Johanne Cloerec, from Prince George, was one of more than 500 British Columbian who submitted their story about how skills training in our province can be improved. She didn’t expect to be heard. See a video about Johanne’s idea.
 
Premier Clark also thanked all participants to conclude the consultation that included results and highlighted some of the ideas moving forward. Watch the video here.
 
Read the Skills for B.C. Question and Response summaries report.