Food Skills BC is a project aimed at helping young adults facing barriers to employment in the post-pandemic landscape. The project provides skills training to improve their employability and confidence, with a focus on connecting them to entry-level positions in the agri-food processing sector, such as warehousing, restaurant and food servers, retail, kitchen helpers, bakers, and production line workers.

Food Skills BC is a six-week training program that pays you $16.50 per hour (for 5 hours a day, Monday to Friday) and workshops include: Industry recognized certifications, Soft Skills for Success, Employment Readiness, Job Coaching, Job Search, Self-Awareness, Career Exploration, and Personal Assessments.

The workshops and certifications are completed virtually using the Zoom platform and online learning platforms. The practicum (20-hour work experience) will be with a local employer in the Food and Agriculture industry. One-to-one coaching is either in person (for those in the Fraser Valley) or virtual. Participants will need access to the internet and a laptop or tablet that can provide access to zoom.

Yes! This program is funded by the Government of Canada through the Canada-British Columbia Workforce Development Agreement. and pays you $16.50 per hour for 5 hours per day (Monday – Friday) based on your attendance. As well, all of the certificates you earn in the program are paid for!

Participants will be offered the opportunity to complete the following certifications: Food Skills BC Fundamentals Certificate, FoodSafe Level One, Market Safe, Serving it Right, SuperHost Foundations of Service Quality, SuperHost Service for All, Dealing with Difficult Customers, Alive After 5 Workplace Safety, WHO COVID 19 Prevention and Control, WHMIS, and “Be There” (Mental Health Awareness)!

6 weeks – Virtual workshops and 20 hours of practicum experience
4 weeks – Follow Up

Participants attend from 9am-3pm daily Monday to Friday with a one-hour lunch break. Practicum hours may vary depending on the needs of the participant and the host employer.

There are six cohorts each year. They typically start in:

• April
• June
• August
• October, and
• December

We accept applications continuously.

• Assessments: Personality, Employment Skills, and Career Exploration (values, interests, and abilities)
• Skills for Success Workshops: Motivation, Attitude, Accountability, Presentation, Confidence, Stress Management, Reading, Writing, Communication, Creativity and Innovation, Collaboration, Time Management, Numeracy, Problem Solving, Adaptability, and Digital Skills
• Job Search Workshops: Resume, Cover Letter, References, Interview Skills, Job Search Strategy, and Networking
• Industry Recognized Certifications: Food Skills BC Certificate, FoodSafe Level One, Market Safe, Serving it Right, SuperHost Foundations of Service Quality, SuperHost Service for All, Dealing with Difficult Customers, Alive After 5 Workplace Safety, WHO COVID 19 Prevention and Control, WHMIS, and “Be There” (Mental Health Awareness)!
• Industry Practicum: 20 hours of on-the-job experience in a practicum with a local employer in the Agriculture and Food sectors
• Program Delivery: All workshops will be delivered virtually using the Zoom platform. Industry certifications are completed virtually. Practicums are completed locally and in person. Participants receive one-to-one coaching virtually or in person depending on their geographical location.

Food Skills BC funding is provided by the Government of Canada through the Canada-British Columbia Workforce Development Agreement.

“Precariously Employed” means an individual who does not meet the definition of Unemployed, but who:

1. is working in unstable or unsustainable Employment (including self-employment) as evidenced by:
   (A) irregular hours of work (such as casual labour or on-call work),
   (8) unreliable remuneration (such as piece-work or commission), or
   (C) earnings that cannot adequately support an individual or their family,
2. is working, but has a total Employment (including self-employment) income that is below the market basket measures,
3. is working in an industry or occupation that is likely to be replaced by technology or automation in the near future,
4. is working in an occupation or profession that is clearly lower than their skills or qualifications and that provides no imminent prospect of advancement, or
5. has Just Cause for leaving their current Employment.

Click here to download the flyer

Email the team at fsbc@missioncsc.org

Food Skills BC is a comprehensive training program designed to empower young adults aged 16 to 29 with the essential skills for successful and sustainable employment. Our focus on occupational, short-duration, competency-based, skills for success, and soft skills training provides young adults with the tools necessary to advance their careers and achieve their full potential.

One of the highlights of our program is the 20-hour industry practicum, which provides participants with hands-on experience to actualize their skills training, enhancing their capacity and confidence. Alongside group-based training, our program focuses on connecting participants to entry-level positions in the Agriculture Food and Beverage Processing and Manufacturing sectors.

At Food Skills BC, we are committed to supporting our participants in achieving their career aspirations while also addressing the needs of our local communities. Through our training and industry practicum, young adults are equipped with the necessary skills to succeed in their entry-level positions, providing employers with a skilled and competent workforce.

We take pride in our commitment to helping young adults achieve their full potential and look forward to continuing to provide them with the tools they need to thrive in their careers. Join us on this journey of empowerment and success.