The initiative helps employers in diversifying their workforce
British Columbia's Innovator Skills Initiative is getting an additional $583,000 investment this summer to help members from under-represented groups get started with their careers in the tech sector.
The initiative grants employers up to $10,000 when they hire a new employee from an under-represented group. This aims to help them not only diversify their workforce but also address the talent shortage in the province. The project, which was able to help nearly 3,800 people land their first job in the tech sector, is delivered by Innovate BC.
"It's absolutely essential that we encourage diversity, equity, and inclusion in B.C.'s tech sector. Innovate BC is very proud to deliver the Innovator Skills Initiative," said Raghwa Gopal, president and CEO of Innovate BC, in a statement.
"We're facing a skills shortage in British Columbia and supporting the skills development of under-represented professionals is a crucial step in bridging the talent gap."
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According to the province's statement, the additional $583,000 investment to the initiative will help more waitlisted organisations in accessing it.
"We know employers across Canada are finding it challenging to find staff amid this tight labour market," said Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon in a statement.
"The Innovator Skills Initiative is an important tool to help our province be future ready and tackle our labour shortage, while creating a more inclusive economy that creates opportunities for under-represented groups in the tech sector."
This latest budget adds to the $15 million previously invested in the initiative, which was supplemented by Mitacs and the Information and Communications Technology Council for a total investment of $29 million over 2022 and 2023.
"Mitacs is proud to collaborate with Innovate B.C. on the important Innovator Skills Initiative. By financing innovation internships for under-represented groups, we are able to help these skilled students and post-graduates gain meaningful experience while filling crucial talent gaps faced by organisations across our province," said Mitacs CEO John Hepburn.
