​​​​​​​

WorkBC Centre – Vancouver Midtown
Monthly Newsletter

FEBRUARY 2022

Considering a career change or upgrade? Find out what type of training you'll need! 

You might have heard that COVID-19 has led to what some are referring to as "The Great Resignation.” Tens of thousands of people have resigned from their jobs, but this doesn’t mean they’re removing themselves from the workforce. Many are taking this time to reassess their work and careers, and this is where training comes in!

A change in career path or an opportunity for career advancement often requires additional training. But what does this actually mean, and where can you go to get the training that best meets your needs? In this episode, we talk to WorkBC's Torfeh Jahan and Sheri Brown about training and what supports are available in Metro Vancouver.

Click here to listen to the podcast.

Introducing the new WorkBC mobile app

Accessing WorkBC services is now faster and more convenient than ever! The free WorkBC mobile app enables you to:

  • Search – WorkBC is committed to helping British Columbians successfully navigate BC's labour market. Get quick access to WorkBC's Job Board to find your next career opportunity. (Please note: This is separate from the Hot Job leads posted on our Client Hub, which is exclusive to WorkBC Vancouver Midtown clients!)
     
  • Apply – For individuals who are not yet registered with WorkBC, the app allows you to sign up to access virtual and in-person services (i.e. case management; please note the eligibility criteria).
     
  • Access your personalized Action Plan, and more!

For more information and to access these features, download the new WorkBC app to your mobile device (via the App Store or Play Store).

For further assistance, please connect with your Employment Specialist.

Featured Workshop: Success Stories

Feeling stuck or unmotivated? Not getting any interviews? Not getting any job offers? This is the workshop for you!

This free course, offered via Zoom, will help you collect, polish, and practice your past success stories so that you can greatly improve your job search. These stories are valuable and can be used in your networking, cover letter, resume, interview, and even performance reviews once hired.

The next offering will be on February 23rd from 2 to 3 p.m. Click here to register via the Client Hub, or contact your Employment Specialist.

Youth job seekers (16-24): Register for This Way ONward, earn a paid internship at Old Navy

This Way ONward (TWO) is a free job training program aimed at helping youth, aged 16 to 24 years old, to build employment skills while earning a paid internship at Old Navy stores in Vancouver and surrounding areas. The program has two phases:

April-June: Skills Workshops (once a week, 2 hrs via Zoom)
June-August: Internship ($15.20/hr, part-time, 50% employee discount, potential post-internship job offer!)

Space is limited and fills up quickly – register now! Application deadline is on April 5th. Click here to view the program poster for more information, including how to register.

February Workshop Schedule

Click here to view this month's Workshop Calendar. If you have a Hub login, you can also RSVP (register) directly for most workshops.

No Hub account yet? Contact your Employment Specialist.

UPCOMING EVENTS

WORKBC ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES WEBINAR

Multiple dates available in February (visit link to view dates/times)

Register now to learn more about the WorkBC Assistive Technology Services (ATS) Program and funding available for assistive technologies in BC!

Click here to register.
 

VANCOUVER PUBLIC LIBRARY: CAREER AND JOB SEARCH TOUR

Multiple dates available in February (visit link to view dates/times)

Are you exploring careers or looking for a job? Register for this free workshop, which introduces you to VPL's extensive job and career resources. Everyone is welcome. (Please note that this workshop is intended for individuals currently residing in British Columbia.)

Click here to register.
 

VIRTUAL INFO SESSION: EVOLUTION CANADA STUDIO

9 Feb 2022 | 11 AM to 12 PM

Evolution Gaming is the world’s leading provider of video-streamed Live Casino solutions, delivering world-class, ‘as real as it gets’ live dealer gaming to our licensees, which include many of the world’s best-known gaming brands. This info session will cover three positions: Online Casino Dealer (Francophone), Online Casino Dealer (Chinese Mandarin Speaking), and Card Shuffler.

Click here to register.
 

VIRTUAL INFO SESSION: PROCURIFY

9 Feb 2022 | 2 PM to 3:30 PM

WorkBC Vancouver City Centre is hosting a virtual hiring session with Procurify for various remote roles, including: Senior Backend Software Engineer, Senior Full Stack Software Engineer, Business Development Representative, and Sales Enablement Manager.

Click here for more information.
 

OWNING YOUR SPACE: AN INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP 

12 Feb 2022 | 12 PM to 2 PM

A confidence building workshop! Join us to boost your self-confidence for your job search, networking, job interviews, and life in general. Learn to own your space and ace your next job interview! This workshop that will include exercises and activities designed to build confidence and increase comfort in communication. Using improvisation and theatre techniques, participants will be encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and tap into their creativity. This event is targeted to refugees and refugee claimants with professional backgrounds residing in Canada.

Click here to register.
  

TECH TALENT CANADA VIRTUAL JOB FAIR

23 Feb 2022 | 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM (PST)

Connect with some of the fastest growing companies! Participating organizations include AltaML, Athennian, Attabotics, Avanti Software, BC Pension Corporation, Benevity, Blackline Safety, Canvass, Cruxocm, Envirosoft, Flahmingo, Harvest Builders, Helcim, IBM Canada, JustEatTakeAway, Launchcode , LodgeLink, Microserve, Nureva, Portfolio+, Seeda, Shaw, and more to be announced.

Click here to register.
  

HIRING FAIR: WESTWOOD PLATEAU GOLF

26 Feb 2022 | 10 AM to 2 PM

Come work with nature on the mountain, only 10 minutes from downtown Coquitlam. Positions are seasonal, with part-time and full-time hours available from April to October. There will be opportunities to work year-round for top employees. Click on the link below for more information on what positions are available and to register.

Click here to register.
 

Be sure to follow our social media accounts for more events throughout the month!

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Education Assistant Diploma

This program is fully funded through the Community Workforce Response Grant. You will be qualified for this free program if you are underemployed or unemployed. The next cohort begins on February 14th and ends on November 4th.

Click here for more information and to register.

SalesCamp BC: B2B and Tech Sales

SalesCamp is designed to help you land a job in B2B or tech sales quickly by providing live, online sales training and connections to hiring managers, sales leaders, and career coaches. It will also introduce you to an amazing group of SalesCamp alumni who currently work at fast-growing companies across Canada. There are also a limited number of half scholarships ($250 value) available for applicants referred by community organizations.

The next cohort begins on February 14th. Click here for more information and to register.

Food Service Assistant Training

Participants will receive 23 weeks of theory and practical training delivered by experienced/qualified instructors to prepare them to gain foundational skills as Food Service Assistants. Participants will receive four weeks of supervised on-the-job work experience with food service employers. Training will be provided by a certified Red Seal chef.

The next cohort begins on February 28th. Click here for more information and to register.

Medical/Dental Office Assistant Diploma

The Medical/Dental Office Assistant Diploma program is fully funded through the Community Workforce Response Grant. The next cohort begins on February 28th and runs until October 7th.

Click here for more information and to register.

YWCA Accelerate

YWCA Accelerate is a free, online program that supports youth ages 15 - 30 to find meaningful work in administration and customer service. Participants are paid while attending training. The program includes six weeks of paid online skills training (participants are paid bi-weekly while attending the online group workshops), followed by eight weeks of professional work experience, as well as up to $400 bonus after program completion.

The next start date is on February 28th. Click here for more information and to register.

Public Works Technician Training

Public Works Technician Training is a free, 16-week Project Based Labour Market Training Program (PBLMT). Participants will receive training and work experience in occupational skills related to: public works, working safely, use of tools and equipment, environmental best practices, as well as maintaining and repairing roads and sidewalks, water systems, building maintenance, parks and recreation facilities, fire protection systems, and more.

Upon completion of the training and work experience, participants will be registered as Provisional Public Works Technicians by ASTTBC and will be supported towards full certification after one year of supervised public works employment.

The next cohort begins on March 28th. Click here for more information and to register.

EMPLOYER FEATURE: ASPIRE BAKERIES

For over 40 years, Aspire Bakeries has been committed to creating and delivering high-quality, great-tasting baked goods to loyal customers in Canada and the United States. The secret to its continued success? “We put our customers and our people first,” said Mel Dobreva, Human Resources Coordinator at Aspire Bakeries. “We develop deep relationships with our customer partners, which include quick-serve restaurants, food service providers and grocery retailers, to provide bakery solutions with the highest standards for food safety and sustainability.”

Guided by its core values of Integrity, Ownership, Customer Focus, Creativity and Care, Aspire Bakeries continues to expand its operations across North America. At present, the company employs 4,200 associates, some of whom have been with the company since the start of the business. “We currently operate 15 commercial-size bakeries across North America. Four are located in Canada,” said Dobreva. “Every day, over 10 million people in North America consume our products!”

In B.C., Aspire Bakeries has its headquarters in Burnaby. With increased production demands, the company is expanding its team and is now hiring for various roles, including Production Worker, Sanitation Worker, Maintenance Mechanic and Production Supervisor. “We strive to set everyone up for success from the very beginning,” said Dobreva. “We provide a full-week of paid training in class and on the floor to all of our new associates. We value and practice respect for the talents, backgrounds, and ways of living of all our associates.”

To learn more and apply for career opportunities with Aspire Bakeries, click here.

CLIENT SUCCESS STORY

Tung's Story: "The support from WorkBC also helped me to overcome emotional challenges during the job search process" 

Before coming to WorkBC, I was unemployed and had been looking for work since May 15, 2021. As a new immigrant, I did not have Canadian work experinece or a network to help me find work. I did hear about the good reputation of WorkBC through people I know. One of my friends provided me with the contact information of Ann, an Employment Specialist at WorkBC Midtown East. As we can both communicate in Vietnamese, it helped me a lot with understanding valuable information during my job search.

I met with Ann and, after learning more about my situation and needs, we discussed an action plan. I learned about how WorkBC could help me achieve my learning and employment goals. There were quick follow-up actions from WorkBC, such as being registered in online training on resume development and interview skills. After the resume training, Employment Specialists helped me to revise my resume for job applications.

Ann helped me search for job postings that were relevant to my background. I was also supported with a Wage Subsidy letter to submit together with my applications, which strengthened my chances of getting interviews.

When I got a job offer from an employer, WorkBC supported me with funding so that I could complete my Serving it Right certification, which was required by the employer. Also, a few days before starting my new job, WorkBC provided me with a voucher so that I could buy appropriate clothes for work. Without that support, it would have been a great challenge for me to start the job. The support from WorkBC also helped me to overcome emotional challenges during the job search process.

WorkBC commits to providing support even during my first year at work. This is my first job in Canada, so I am very happy to get it. In the future, with support from WorkBC, I wish to find a job in the non-profit sector, where I know I have a lot of experience and skills that I can contribute.

INTERESTING READS

PocketWell app: Supporting mental health and well-being

Through PocketWell, a free mobile app to the Wellness Together Canada (WTC) online portal, Canadians can access new tools and resources, including a self-assessment tool and tracker that monitors mood and mental well-being.

PocketWell also connects seamlessly to the WTC portal, allowing access to free and confidential sessions with social workers, psychologists and other professionals, as well as other mental health and substance use services, all from your mobile device!

Visit WellnessTogether.ca or download the PocketWell app.

HOT JOBS

Multiple positions available: Junior Java Developer, Junior Software Development Engineer in Test, Administrative Assistant (Technical Support), Administrative Assistant (Data Services)
Global Relay Vancouver
View postings

 

Multiple positions available: Barista, Customer Service Representative, Delivery Driver, Warehouse Team Member
SPUD
View postings


Client Support Specialist 
Machobear Studios
View posting 
 

Multiple positions available: Warehouse Associate, Bulk Order Picker
WorkWithUs
View postings
 

Multiple positions available: Administrative Assistant/Receptionist, Office Manager, Warehouse Assistant, Landscape Labourer, Data Entry Clerk, and more
Express Employment Professionals
View postings 


For more postings, please visit our Job Boards on the Client Hub.

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