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WorkBC Centre – Vancouver Midtown
Monthly Newsletter

FEBRUARY 2021

Is it time for a career change?

Thinking of changing career directions in 2021? Whether you've been laid off due to the pandemic and need to go down a different job route, or you feel it's just time for a change, switching course in your career can be a daunting task. Learn how to go about it in this episode of Get a Job!, where we chat to Zehra Kizilbash (Employment Faciitator, WorkBC Vancouver Midtown) and Carolynn Duggan (Lead Case Manager, WorkBC Coquitlam).

Click here to listen to the latest episode of Get A Job!

New Learning Labs offered this month

WorkBC Vancouver Midtown West will be hosting free Learning Labs to provide you with interactive forums to gain and practice techniques to benefit your job search. Bring your questions and be prepared to actively engage in these virtual labs on Zoom! Connect with your Employment Specialist to register.

Learning Lab: Post-Interview Best Practices (Wed, Feb 3rd, 10:30 to 11:30 AM)

So you had a great interview. Now what? We’ll cover:

  • How and when to thank an employer after an interview
  • How and when to reach out if you don’t hear anything back after an interview
  • How to decide who to use as a reference
  • How to deal with a potential bad reference

Learning Lab: Virtual Interview Skills (Thu, Feb 18th, 3 to 5 PM)

Join this lab to fine-tune your interview skills and land the job you want! We’ll cover:

  • Common interview questions & the opportunity to practice your answers
  • How to set yourself up for success in virtual interviews
  • Navigating interview challenges
  • Preparing for virtual job fairs
  • Salary negotiation

Bring the interview questions you struggle with the most and polish your answers with the help of staff and other participants in interactive breakout rooms. If you can, please bring a specific job posting or job goal in mind.

Adler University's Social Skills Group open for registration

Adler University, in continued partnership with WorkBC Midtown, will be offering a free-of-cost Social Skills Group with the purpose of helping participants learn a variety of practical skills to improve their quality of communication with others. This is a safe and judgment-free zone to enhance social skills, and is co-facilitated by two doctoral clinical psychology students.

The group will teach skills that are valuable for anyone interested in learning; however, individuals who may particularly benefit from this group include:

  • Individuals who would like to learn strategies to increase their comfort in social settings
  • Individuals who feel overwhelmed, or experience high levels of stress when communicating with others

Sessions will be 60-minutes each and will include weekly check-ins, skills practice, and discussion about integrating these skills. Participants who choose to attend this group will be asked to commit to at least 6 out of the 8 sessions.

Sessions will begin this month and will be held bi-weekly on Fridays from 2 to 3 PM via Zoom. To learn more and register, please contact your Employment Specialist directly.

February Workshop Schedule

Click the links below to view what Workshops are being held this month. For any inquiries or to sign up for a workshop, please connect with your Employment Specialist.

WorkBC Midtown East - Calendar 

WorkBC Midtown West - Calendar

SPOTLIGHT: CAREER PLANNING WORKSHOP SERIES

Are you considering a career change and don’t know where to start? Are you ready to commit to an intensive, interactive learning experience with a range of resources to jump-start your career? WorkBC Midtown West's Career Planning Workshop Series can help!

The Career Planning Workshop Series is a deep dive into exploring the career path that’s right for you. Guided by assessment tools (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and Strong Interest Inventory), Career Planning will help you discover what careers and work environments are best suited for your personality, skills, values and interests.

The three-day (12 hours in total) Career Planning Workshop Series is typically held on the fourth week of every month. Participants are emailed online career assessments the week before to complete in advance of attending the workshop.

Next dates:

  • Prep Day (Clients are emailed assessments) - Feb 17
  • Day 1 - Feb 23
  • Day 2 - Feb 24
  • Day 3 - Mar 1

Days 1 to 3 will be held from 10 AM-12 PM and 1:30 PM-3:30 PM via Zoom

Career Planning can be valuable if you’re seeking a fulfilling new direction. As the pandemic goes on, many of us now have the time and opportunity to reassess our career options and reimagine our career paths.

After attending Career Planning, you’ll understand yourself better and where you can best thrive, as well as learn about labour market trends to make an informed decision on your career goals. You will leave the workshop equipped with the tools to create an action plan to guide you on your journey.

If you’re interested in attending, please contact your Employment Specialist.

UPCOMING VIRTUAL EVENTS

CANUCKS AUTISM NETWORK (CAN) VIRTUAL JOB FAIR

Feb 2021 - Events throughout the month

The CAN Virtual Job Fair is a month-long series of virtual workshops and presentations for youth and adults on the autism spectrum. Job seekers will develop pre-employment skills, meet with employers and service providers, and learn about opportunities in the Lower Mainland area. Offered at no cost, all workshops and presentations will take place via Zoom. A CAN membership is not required to participate.

Click here to register.
 

VIRTUAL HIRING FAIR: IMPACT RECRUITER & ARAMARK

5 Feb 2021 | 11 AM

Newton WorkBC is proud to present another Virtual Hiring Fair in collaboration with Impact Recruiter and Aramark. Available positions include Warehouse Clerk, Production Worker, Shipper/Receiver, Administrative Support, and Customer Service Support through Impact Recruiter. Meanwhile, Aramark is hiring for Housekeepers at Surrey Memorial Hospital, Royal Columbian Hospital, Eagle Ridge Hospital, and Burnaby General Hospital.

Click here to register.


BCAA HIRING EVENT

9 Feb 2021 | 1 PM to 3 PM

Work at an award-winning top employer! f you are looking for an empowering and progressive place to build your career, then you’ve landed in the right place at BCAA. With corporate Head Office in Burnaby and locations around BC, BCAA offers a wide variety of opportunities all across the province. BCAA's Member Contact Centre (MCC) is hiring 15 Regular Full-time Service Advisors. 

Click here to register.
 

THINKIFIC INFO SESSION

10 Feb 2021 | 2 PM to 3 PM

Vancouver City Centre WorkBC will be hosting a virtual info session with Thinkific, a local tech company hiring for multiple roles, including remote (work-from-home) positions, with a variety of experience levels. Attend this Info Session to learn more about this company, the roles they are hiring for and how to best set yourself up for success when applying.

Click here to register.
 

VIRTUAL HIRING FAIR: PROVINCIAL HEALTH SERVICES AUTHORITY 

11 Feb 2021 | 1 PM to 2:30 PM

Don't miss this exciting virtual hiring fair in partnership with Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA). They are now hiring for: Accounts Receivable Clerk, Accounts Payable Clerk, Payroll Clerk, Lead Accounts Receivable Clerk, Warehouse, Inventory, and Stocking Attendant, Switchboard Operator, Plumber Fitter, Carpenter, and more!

Click here to register.
 

ONLINE HIRING FAIR: ROBERT HALF, VITRUM GLASS, GOOD FOOD

12 Feb 2021 | 11 AM to 12:30 PM

Meet the recruiters as they talk about their companies and employment opportunities. Robert Half is now hiring for Admin and Accounting positions. Vitrum Glass is seeking Production Managers, Insides Sales Reps, Production Workers, Project Administrators and Shipping workers. GoodFood is looking for Labellers/Packers, Forklift Operators, and Quality Assurance workers. 

Click here to register.
 

STAPLES VIRTUAL INFO SESSION

16 Feb 2021 | 11 AM to 12 PM

Join the Staples Virtual Info Session from the comfort of your home. Learn about current employment opportunities, how to apply and ask questions directly to Staples hiring representatives.

Click here to register.
 

PICS VIRTUAL MEGA JOB FAIR

18 Feb 2021 | 10 AM to 4 PM

The Mega Job Fair has taken place for over 10 years and is a highly successful event in the Lower Mainland. Job seekers are able to explore career options with employers such as retailers, service providers, banks, credit unions and crown corporations. The event further serves as a great opportunity to network. The PICS Virtual Mega Job Fair 2021 will be a grand affair, and we look forward to seeing you there!

Click here to register.
 

INCLUSIONBC YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SUMMIT

18-20 Feb 2021 

Don't miss this engaging three-day online summit focused on employment for youth with disabilities! This is an opportunity to meet and learn from employers, employees, and experts with stories and advice to help youth with disabilities to get great jobs. As part of the Summit, the Job Fair will enable youth to connect with employers from a wide range of sectors and discover companies that are hiring inclusively. Register for the Summit today and connect with some of BC’s top employers.

Click here to register.
 

CAREER FAIR: VIRTUAL TECH TALENT DAY

22 Feb 2021 | 3 PM to 5:30 PM PST

With this Tech Talent Day, you can finally get the chance to meet recruiters and technical reps from some of the country’s best companies in a friendly and easy-going virtual environment. This is where you can learn about new opportunities, build a strong connection, and even share about your past projects. Candidates are guaranteed a chance to speak with every company and their hiring managers – either during the sessions, networking room, or in the expo.

Click here to register.
 

VIRTUAL JOB FAIR: FRASER HEALTH, AMAZON, GOLDEN BOYS FOODS

24 Feb 2021 | 1 PM to 3:30 PM

Meet three different employers and learn about various positions available in the Lower Mainland, including LPNs, RCAs and Home Support Workers (CHWs), Warehouse Associates, Manufacturing/Production Workers, Machine Operators, and more.

Click here to register.
 

HIRING FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

25 Feb 2021 | 2 PM to 3 PM

Bayshore Home Health is hiring Registered Pharmacists, Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Home Care Aides, Respite Workers, Homemakers, and more. Come join a member of the Bayshore team to network and ask questions about the recruitment and hiring process, and any potential opportunities.

Click here to register.
 

WHO'S HIRING: SAFEWAY

25 Feb 2021 | 10:30 AM to 12 PM

Safeway Robson in downtown Vancouver is currently hiring, and youth employment centre Career Zone is excited to present this virtual hiring info session with them! Come and learn about the organization, roles available, the culture, hiring practices and more at this online info session. Come prepared with some questions and even though it's all virtual, dress to impress!

Click here to register.

FREE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Automotive Service Technician

Are you an Automotive Service Technician with 4-5 years of trades experience (either in Canada or abroad)? Fully funded training for RED SEAL certification is available for unemployed immigrants, youth and other individuals who are case-managed by WorkBC.

This training is 15 weeks long and includes: Red Seal Occupational Standard (RSOS), Language and Essential Skills, RED SEAL upgrading training (automotive), the Inter-Provincial Red Seal Exam, work experience with employers, and job search support.

The program begins on February 15th. For more info and to register, please contact your Employment Specialist.

Fast Track Education Assistant Training

Participants will receive: Education Assistant Diploma, certificates (Essential Skills, Privacy Training, Emergency and Mental Health, First Aid, Gender-Based Plus, Food Safe, Pandemic Awareness, and Indigenous
Cultural Awareness), and work experience.

Participants may also be eligible to receive a laptop and Microsoft Teams access for online classes. Prospective career choices after the program include: Education Assistant, Behavior Intervention Assistant, and Special Needs Assistant.

Classes start on March 1st; screening and intake is ongoing. For more info and registration, please contact your Employment Specialist.

IT Business and Logistics Certificate

This group-based, full time program consists of 18 weeks of occupational and life skills training, 4 weeks of on-the-job work experience with local employers, and 2 weeks follow-up and job search support to prepare participants for employment in the Business Management and IT industry in the Surrey and Vancouver areas.

The program begins on March 1st. For more information (including eligibility requirements) and to register, please contact your Employment Specialist.

CLIENT SUCCESS STORY


Christine's story:
"I successfully graduated from the Nutrition Program and found employment about three months later"

I had a successful career in Vancouver's visual effects industry. For years, I had been working in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines and long work hours in front of computers. When my last contract came to an end, I decided to take some time off and travel abroad. Shortly after I left Canada, I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. I returned to Canada to receive treatment and applied for El. I was unemployed for about three months and just had surgery when I contacted WorkBC.

While going through treatment, I had a lot of appointments with specialists and was physically exhausted from surgery and chemotherapy. I was mentally and emotionally drained from facing this illness that I lost excitement for superhero movies, which I had all these years. It would have been challenging to work long hours of overtime and focusing on the detail-oriented work in visual effects.

I searched "how to start a new career" online as I was in my late 40s and wanted to learn about what support I could get. My search led me to WorkBC and their programs. I came to WorkBC with the intention to find a career that would support my own health journey and lead to a career of sharing knowledge about health and lifestyle challenges.

My case managers at WorkBC were very supportive and understanding when I described the difficulty I had returning to my old career. I met with a social worker and I received one-on-one sessions, as well as created a targeted resume tailored for the health and food industry. Near the end of my 15-month cancer treatment and in the middle of my skills training, my mother suddenly passed away. My case manager at WorkBC was very supportive, making sure I was able to spend the time I needed with my family while studying for my board exam.

I successfully graduated from the Nutrition Program and found employment about 3 months later. I am now a Wellness Advisor in the supplement department of a wellness and organic health food store. I help customers find the right supplements, and educate about the importance of nutrition, sleep management and stress reduction. Sometimes I share my story with customers who are struggling with illness and uncertainty in their lives. The response I get is that it encourages them to advocate more for their own health.


Christine, WorkBC Vancouver Midtown client

HOT JOBS

Cost Accountant
The Very Good Butchers (The Very Good Food Company)
Vancouver, BC
View posting
 

Video Journalist
Rogers Sports and Media
Vancouver, BC
View posting
 

Talent Acquisition Consultant
Bardel Entertainment
Vancouver, BC
View posting


2D Harmony Animator
Bardel Entertainment
Vancouver, BC
View posting
 

Accounting Manager
Article
Vancouver, BC
View posting
 

Securities Associate
Raymond James Ltd.
Vancouver, BC
View posting
 

Business Development Representative 
Thinkific
Vancouver, BC
View posting
 

Marketing Associate (9-month Contract)
Fresh Direct Produce
Vancouver, BC
View posting
 

Maintenance Worker (General)
Golden Boy Foods
Burnaby, BC
View posting
 

Sanitation Team/Cleaner
Bento Sushi
Richmond, BC
View posting


These are just a few of the jobs in our jobs database, which is continuously being updated. For more job postings or to apply for any of the above positions, please contact your Employment Specialist directly.

Vancouver Midtown East WorkBC Centre
110 East 3rd Avenue
Vancouver, BC V5T 1C8
604-829-2300
info-vancouvermidtown-east@workbc.ca
https://www.workbccentre-vancouvermidtown-east.ca/

Vancouver Midtown West WorkBC Centre
300-2150 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC V6K 4L9
604-688-4666
info-vancouvermidtown-west@workbc.ca
https://www.workbccentre-vancouvermidtown-west.ca