Technology Boom Creating Jobs in BC: CKNW Series 'Putting BC to Work' Examines BC's Growing Reputation for Tech Innovation


VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - April 15, 2014) - The growing technology industry in Vancouver will be the focus of conversation April 14-20, 2014 on Vancouver-based Corus Entertainment station, CKNW News Talk AM 980's groundbreaking series, 'Putting BC to Work'. As a part of an overall week of discussion themed around innovation, as it relates to jobs in BC, an impressive lineup of industry experts will shed light on areas of growth within technology, the emerging skill gaps and how job seekers can transition into the field.

"There are few industries in BC that create the buzz that technology does," explains Ian Koenigsfest, Brand Director AM Programming at Corus Radio Vancouver. "Beyond the hype, however, the sector has created an impressive volume of jobs in BC and we are looking to uncover and discuss these opportunities further. As the technology industry continues to grow, it will be important to ensure that our up-and-coming talent here in BC is aware of, and pursues the emerging and exciting jobs available."

The technology sector in BC is synonymous with innovation. Vancouver is known internationally as a city whose technology sector generates business volume and revenues of $18 billion per year, just behind Silicon Valley in California and Silicon Alley in New York. For job seekers, the sector has created more than 84,000 jobs in the province, at more than 8,900 established companies. Through 'Putting BC to Work', CKNW will provide a closer look at what these jobs are and where they can be found.

The 'Putting BC to Work' series focus on innovation and technology will include an impressive line-up of industry experts from the Business Council of BC and Traction on Demand, and some of BC's hottest technology accelerator companies such as Accelerate Okanagan and Metabridge who will be interviewed by renowned CKNW hosts including Bill Good and Simi Sara.

Topics that will be covered, include:

  • Areas of growth in the technology sector
  • Skills gap and educational options for career entry into technology jobs in BC
  • A look at regions in BC, such as Kelowna and Vancouver, that are known as a hot-bed for start-ups
  • Identifying thought leaders in the technology sector in BC
  • Examples of BC companies that have made an impact on our reputation for technology

The 'Putting BC to Work' series is set to develop a dialogue around the employment landscape in our province - focusing both on the current state of affairs, as well as the economic outlook for years to come. 'Putting BC to Work' will run on air March 31 - April 27, 2014 and provide British Columbians and the business community with an unprecedented opportunity to access and engage in conversation about the provincial job market.

For more information on 'Putting BC to Work' or to listen live, visit http://www.cknw.com/putbctowork/. Join the conversation on Twitter using the Hashtag #putbctowork.

About CKNW News Talk AM 980

CKNW News Talk AM 980 delivers hard-hitting, insightful news and commentary and has been instrumental in defining public opinion in British Columbia for generations of listeners. CKNW News Talk AM 980 is Vancouver's sounding board -- a daily town hall meeting where newsmakers and listeners converge.

The station's key personalities include world-class journalist Philip Till, anchor of The CKNW Morning News, the most tuned to morning show in Vancouver, followed by one of British Columbia's most popular radio programs The Bill Good Show, The Simi Sara Show, The World Today with Jon McComb, The Shift with Mike Eckford and Sports Weekend with Brook Ward.

Contact Information:

Media Contact:
Belinda Williamson
Talk Shop Media
604.738.2220
Belinda@talkshopmedia.com