The Community Services Pillar and Worker Transition Pillar are amalgamating into one group because of the overlap in people and discussion.
The group decided with the support of the District of Houston, and will meet next in September to continue discussing support for local service providers and workers affected by the closure of Houston Forest Products (HFP).
The latest statistics from West Fraser show that 63 former HFP employees still do not have work, with 26 of those considering retraining.
Houston service providers are reporting demand and trends to the Community Services Pillar.
WorkBC reported that they are actively working with 50 clients from the West Fraser mill closure: Seventeen are applying for training, six have been accepted in programs at the Northwest Community College, four at other institutions, and seven are still exploring the labour market and their options. One person has been approved for the self-employment program, and another is considering that option.
There are six people still working at HFP until the end of August, twelve now employed at other mills in the region or in construction, and eight working outside of the region.
Andrea Newell, Labour Market Strategy Consultant for the District of Houston, says a second job fair could occur in the future depending on need and funding.
Pillars are also considering running a reverse trade show, but it has not been confirmed if or when it might be.
