The Province's new Workforce Readiness Initiative is a welcome investment in British Columbia's future. As part of the Look West strategy, the initiative will invest $40 million over the next three years to improve access to skilled trades training, particularly for Indigenous Peoples, rural and remote communities, and other equity-deserving groups (see my CEO report from November 18, 2025). That is good news for communities across the province and demonstrates a continued commitment to building the workforce needed for B.C.'s growing economy.

What caught my attention, however, was not only who is included, but who appears to be missing.

The initiative rightly recognizes that geography matters. People should not have to leave their communities to access training and meaningful careers. Yet, anyone who has worked in workforce development knows that training is only one part of the equation. Recruitment, career planning, barrier reduction, ongoing encouragement, employer connections, and retention support all influence whether someone starts and finishes a training program.

Community-based employment service providers have been doing this work for decades. They understand local labour markets, maintain trusted relationships with employers, and help people overcome the practical and personal barriers that often prevent them from participating in training. In many rural and remote communities, these organizations are the workforce development infrastructure.

This mirrors what we heard throughout ASPECT's Refocusing the Urban Lens for Rural & Remote Employment Services research. Successful rural workforce strategies are built on local partnerships, flexible delivery, and organizations that understand the unique realities of their communities. Investment in training is essential, but it is even more effective when paired with the organizations already supporting people into employment.

As BC continues to implement the Look West strategy, there is an opportunity to broaden the conversation beyond training providers alone. If the goal is workforce readiness, then community-based employment services should be recognized as an essential part of the solution. We have the relationships, the expertise, and the community trust to help ensure these investments achieve their full potential.

Janet Morris-Reade, CEO
ASPECT BC