Page 14 - EMBERS 2020 Annual Report

EMBERS Training
In 2020, our Training Division went from strength to strength. The Learn and Earn Program, which focuses on providing skills training and certifications for EMBERS workers, continued to operate successfully and our contract was extended to Sept 2023. While COVID slowed our program down slightly, we still managed to claim $571K for the year in training outcomes. COVID 19 health orders and restrictions meant that classes had to be reduced to a maximum of 6 persons per class, to allow for social distancing, with the result that we were slightly below our pre-pandemic targets. During the year, we trained 235 individuals despite the restrictions.
Another highlight was the development of the Peer Employment Program. In partnership with the
Federal Government, the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training asked EMBERS to work with 5 peer employment projects in the Downtown Eastside with the goal of doing research into this employment model for those with the most barriers to employment. It was so successful that the program is now being rolled out in the Province. This program is managed by Eastside Works. The Ministry was exceptionally happy about our ability to not only provide training, but also provide jobs.
$571K
Brought in by Learn & Earn Program
235
People trained over the course of 2020 despite COVID
$460K
In COVID support from Government
12