In response to increased industrial activity in northern BC, the University of Northern British Columbia will deliver a free security guard training program in Terrace, Quesnel, and Prince George funded by BC’s Employment Skills Access Program.

“We’ve tailored this program to the students and the needs of the region,” says UNBC Continuing Studies Coordinator Rob Bryce, who helped organize UNBC’s Enhanced Security Guard Training Program. “There are so many opportunities related to increased industrial activity and this is one example of where there is a need for qualified people. I recently spoke with a company that is anticipating a demand for 30-60 more guards in the next year alone. We anticipate that all the students who complete the program will be able to find employment immediately.”

The first three week program begins on February 18 in Terrace. “It’s a very comprehensive program. We’re even hiring actors for role-playing to simulate real world situations that the students might encounter in security work,” says Bryce. “Students will also be interviewed by employers on the last day of the program."

Eligible participants will receive the following:

• tuition-free funding for the course fees and textbooks for an eligible program of study
• professional training and skill acquisition in Enhanced Security for entry into the labour force
• experience in an academic learning environment

The Employment Skills Access Program provides tuition-free skills training to help unemployed individuals acquire the skills needed to transition into the labour force and is funded through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement.

Participants interested in either program should visit www.unbc.ca/continuingstudies or call 250.960.5980 for more details.