Circular Workforce Development Plan and Training Project
Port Alberni
Supporting Port Alberni’s transition to a resilient circular economy
The Port Alberni Workforce Development and Training Project is bringing together community-based organizations, employers, training providers, and others to create a workforce development plan that supports the community and individuals impacted (directly or indirectly) by mill closures in transitioning to meaningful employment in emerging circular economy sectors, through community engagement, targeted skills training and job placements.
Goals
Community Engagement
Develop a workforce development plan informed by community input and a labour market study to identify priorities, reflect local needs, and ensure alignment with evolving regional priorities.
Skills Training & Job Placement
Facilitate workforce upskilling through subsidized training programs and job placement opportunities, and free webinars.
Economic Diversification
Expand employment opportunities by supporting economic diversification in emerging circular economy sectors.
Workforce Development Plan & Community Engagement
Phase 1: 2025
This project aims to foster a more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready workforce in Port Alberni. To guide the Workforce Development Plan, Synergy is engaging local government, First Nations, employment services, educational institutions, unions, non-profits, employers, and other interested parties.
Engagement activities include 1:1 interviews, events, surveys, and meetings.
Workforce Upskilling & Job Placements
Phase 2: 2026-2027
This project will deliver four 6–12-week cohort-based skills training courses in collaboration with local partners. Training will focus on key sectors identified through the labour market study. Potential areas include:
Regenerative
agriculture
Green building
& deconstruction
Energy efficiency trades
Aquaculture & blue economy
Eco-tourism & sustainable hospitality
To support participation, the project provides financial assistance such as tuition coverage, training subsidies, and wage subsidies for job placements.
Project Funder
The Port Alberni Circular Workforce Development Plan and Training Project is funded in part by the Government of Canada through the Canada Retraining and Opportunities Initiative.
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Get updates on ways to get involved in training programs, job placements and engagement opportunities.
