Anyone searching for employment who is interested in entering the manufacturing sector of the fashion or textiles industry may want to consider jobs that are in demand in B.C.

According to the B.C. Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, the Lower Mainland has a shortage of industrial sewing machine operators.

The provincial government announced on February 24 that it is launching a skills training program in Vancouver to prepare up to 30 British Columbians for jobs to fill this gap.

The government is providing almost $400,000 to North West Industries Association, which is based in Surrey, to train two intakes of its industrial sewing project that will teach participants essential occupational skills.

The program consists of 11 weeks of training and four weeks of work experience with local employers, plus two weeks of followup support during job searches.

Participants will learn how to operate a range of industrial sewing machines safely and efficiently, be introduced to mass production methods, and receive language skills and conflict resolution education as well.

The first intake is already scheduled to begin on Monday (March 1) with the second intake yet to begin. The project continues until June 25.

Anyone interested in finding out more can contact a local WorkBC centre.