Late last week I had the opportunity to meet with Assistant Deputy Minister, Bindi Sawchuck, and Gord Sharpe, Director of Employment Training Programs, both of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training. They updated me on some of the upcoming RFPs related to the new Workforce Development Agreement (formerly the Canada Job Fund). In case you were worried, they have confirmed that any upcoming Community Workforce Grant RFPs will be released after the closing of the current Employment Program of BC RFP!  

It struck me and was confirmed by what I saw on the wall as I entered the office (above image), how dedicated the staff at the ministry are. Like ASPECT members, these public servants are experts at what they do and are earnestly working to find solutions under government constraints to provide the best services to clients possible. 

There are some challenges that I'm hoping you can help crowdsource solutions. The goal will be to take your ideas back to governmentto help inform upcoming programs. Please sign up for one of the following video/teleconference times to provide your feedback and join the discussion:

Discussion: Innovative Ideas for Performance Outcomes Management

In this facilitated discussion, we will discuss challenges with the current outcomes-based model and brainstorm ideas in which to inform government policy. This is your opportunity to find out what your colleagues are thinking and to test your own ideas with other experts in the sector. 

Tuesday, August 28, 2018
10:00 – 11:00 AM
Video & Tele Conference (details to be sent upon registration)
Register Now.

Discussion: Rural Transportation Solutions for Employment Success

In this facilitated discussion, we will discuss possible solutions to overcoming transportation challenges for those facing this barrier to employment and brainstorm ideas in which to inform government policy. This is your opportunity to find out what your colleagues are thinking and to test your own ideas with other experts in the sector. 

Thursday, August 30, 2018
10:00 – 11:00 AM
Video & Tele Conference (details to be sent upon registration)
Register Now.

Last week, organizations qualified by the Employment Program of BC were sent the Request for Proposals. I understand from several qualified that this week will be about doing financial modelling and deciding how many jurisdictions and where to proceed.  To see the list of those qualifying and in what jurisdictions, go to the list here.

Click here for the full document.

Earlier this month, Katrina Chen, Minister of State for Child Care in BC announced that there will be 22,000 new licensed spaces coming over the next three years. Having safe, affordable, child care is a significant barrier to employment and ASPECT is supportive of this initiative. In recent conversations with one of our members, however, we learned that there are challenges ahead:

1. There's currently a shortage of Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) and ECE Assistants to fill current needs, let alone an expansion of services.
2. Online training is a good first step, but formalized on-the-job training is needed to fully understand the complexities of the job.
3. ECEs are in high demand from school disctricts who pay more, offer better hours, and benefits. Those operating child care services are having challenges attracting and retaining qualified staff.

Late last week the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction released its list of qualified respondents who will be invited to proceed to the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage of the new EPBC contract. To see the list, click here.

There are some surprises in some catchments as current prime contractors did not make the "qualified" list. It will be interesting to see who will move forward on the RFP when it is expected to be released later this month. ASPECT has been asking government to release the financial model in advance of the RFP, but have been told that the current procurement climate will not allow this. What was done in the 2011 cannot be done now. ASPECT has also asked that the RFP for the Assisted Technologies and Apprentice contracts , which closed last Thursday, be released. The response from government that they will release it as soon as they can, but it likely will not be until after the contracts are awarded. 

What are your thoughts? Send me an email or post a public comment below.