WorkBC Centre – Vancouver Midtown
Monthly Newsletter

OCTOBER 2021

WorkBC Explained: Career Services for People with Disabilities

Are you a jobseeker with a disability? Do you need help finding a job? WorkBC is here to help!

Check out the latest episode of WorkBC Explained to learn more about how WorkBC's free services and programs can help you identify your strengths and interests, get access to Assistive Technologies, connect you with employers who are hiring, receive job coaching and other employment supports, and more.

Click here to view the video!

Network to Work Café: Connect with other job seekers, find out who's hiring, and more

This October onwards, join us on Mondays from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. for the Network to Work Cafe, offered virtually via Zoom. Through the weekly café, you will have the opportunity to meet other job seekers and build your job search community, gain support with your job search, share employment tips and updates, learn about who’s hiring, and stay on track with your employment goals.

Click here to register now via the Client Hub.

If you have attended a previous Network to Work Café session, you do not need to register again – you will automatically receive an email reminder containing the Zoom meeting link.

Get A Job! Podcast: "Inclusive Hiring and Why It's So Important"

Did you know that more than 926,100 British Columbians aged 15 to 64 years identify as having a disability?

This episode of Get A Job! is all about the importance of inclusive hiring and employment for people with disabilities.Our guests Yat Li (Senior Accessibility Consultant, Presidents Group) and Klaudine Go (Customized Employment Specialist, WorkBC) shed light on common myths about hiring people with disabilities and share their tips for successful employment for job seekers who have a disability.

Next episode: Stay tuned for a new episode this month focusing on mental wellness and managing anxiety during the job search process! 

Click here to listen to the podcast.

Managing Emotions: Register now for free workshop-style group offered by Adler University 

Offered through the WorkBC MIdtown-Adler University partnership, Managing Emotions will help participants build skills in naming, understanding, and coping with difficult emotions. Participants will learn skills in emotion regulation, as well as the psychological and biological theories of emotion.

This is a psychoeducational workshop-style group where participants are welcome to ask questions and share personal experiences if they choose to do so; active participation is not an expectation or requirement in this group. Managing Emotions will take place virtually on Mondays at 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. from October 18th to November 22nd (6 sessions).

Click here to learn more. To register, please connect with your Employment Specialist.

Intake now open for LEADS program November cohort

The next WorkBC LEADS program cohort starts on November 23rd – registration is now open. LEADS is a trauma-informed program for survivors of violence/abuse and is designed to help participants build their confidence, wellness and employment readiness.

Participants will learn about: Vision and Goal Setting, Building and Maintaining Safety, Career Research and Confidence Building, Addressing and Overcoming the Impacts of Violence/Abuse, Resume and Cover Letters, and more.

To learn more and register, please email Erin Grace at egrace@ywcavan.org or call 604-908-1227.

UPCOMING EVENTS

FROM IDEA TO REALITY: REAL LIFE STORIES FROM EXPERIENCED ENTREPRENEURS 

5 Oct 2021 | 2 PM to 4 PM

Are you a new or aspiring small business owner? Join to hear from experienced entrepreneurs, who will inspire you by sharing the ups and downs of their business journeys. Afterwards, you’ll learn about free supports for aspiring entrepreneurs and then connect with others in small breakout rooms to ask questions, share ideas and build your entrepreneurial network. In partnership with ISSofBC’s Blaze program.

Click here to register.
 

HEALTH CARE CAREER FAIR: LONDON DRUGS & LIFELABS

6 Oct 2021 | 10 AM to 11 AM (London Drugs)
       6 Oct 2021 | 2 PM to 3 PM (LifeLabs)

This event, aimed towards internationally-trained professionals who are planning on having their credentials recognized in Canada, is an opportunity to learn more about health care careers with London Drugs and LifeLabs. Don't miss this career fair to learn about what opportunities are available and how you can become a part of the London Drugs or LifeLabs team!

Click here to register for the London Drugs event.
Click here to register for the LifeLabs event.
 

VIRTUAL INFO SESSION: PAYBYPHONE

7 Oct 2021 | 11 AM to 12 PM

PayByPhone provides innovative mobile payment solutions and is one of the fastest-growing mobile payment companies in the world. Your next career adventure starts here – join this exciting virtual info session to explore careers with PayByPhone!

Click here to register.
 

VIRTUAL HIRING EVENT: MAKE A FUTURE & GIRL FRIDAY

7 Oct 2021 | 1 PM to 2 PM

WorkBC South Surrey-White Rock and Surrey Cloverdale are pleased to host a virtual hiring event in partnership with Make A Future and Girl Friday to explore opportunities in BC’s education and health care sector.

Click here to register.
  

VIRTUAL HIRING EVENT: AMAZON

7 Oct 2021 | 3 PM to 4 PM

Join us for a virtual hiring fair with Amazon! The company is now hiring for Warehouse Fulfillment Associates and Sortation Associates. if you're a Lower Mainland resident interested in a career with Amazon, don't miss this virtual hiring event.

Click here to register.
  

CAREER FAIR: VIRTUAL TECH TALENT DAY

7 Oct 2021 | 3 PM to 5:30 PM

With this tech talent career fair, you can network and connect with technical professionals in a friendly and comfortable video chat environment where you can learn about upcoming tech talent, discuss current opportunities, and listen to interesting information from leaders of the industry. Explore the Expo booths, spotlight speaker sessions, and 1:1 networking!

Click here to register.
 

VIRTUAL HIRING FAIR: EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT, QUALICO & EMBERS

8 Oct 2021 | 11 AM to 12 PM

Join the virtual hiring fair to learn more about opportunities with 3 employers: Express Employment, Qualico, and Embers! Express Employment is seeking: Forklift Operators, Warehouse Associates, Production Workers, Cabinet Makers, and Spray Painters. Qualico is hiring for: Project Coordinators, Construction Labourers, and Accounts Payable Administrators. Embers is a non-profit staffing agency that helps people from all walks of like find employment in Construction, Warehousing, Security, Cleaning and Sanitation.

Click here to register.
 

VIRTUAL EMPLOYER INFO SESSION: PROSPERA CREDIT UNION

12 Oct 2021 | 11 AM to 12 PM

Prospera Credit Union has been designated as a great place to work. This is your opportunity to join a supportive team of like-minded people. Hiring is taking place for a variety of positions throughout the Greater Vancouver area. Join us to hear from a recruiter and learn about their recruitment needs.

Click here to register.
 

VIRTUAL HIRING FAIR: STARBUCKS

14 Oct 2021 | 11 AM to 1 PM

Starbucks is now hiring Baristas and Shift Supervisors - register now to learn more and to have the opportunity to grow your career with a renowned company!

Click here to register.
 

WHO'S HIRING: CITY OF VANCOUVER

14 Oct 2021 | 2 PM to 3:30 PM

WorkBC Centre Midtown West is excited to host a virtual info session with City of Vancouver! At this event, you'll learn about City of Vancouver's:

• Mission and values
• Greenest City Action Plan and work on Reconciliation, Diversity and Inclusion
• Benefits and what they offer employees
• Hiring process and timeline
• Step-by-step process for how to apply for their roles online, and more!

You'll also get the opportunity to have your questions answered by a City of Vancouver representative at a Q&A period at the end of the event.

Click here to register.
 

NAVIGATING PATHWAYS TO ENGINEERING CAREERS FOR NEWCOMERS

26 Oct 2021 | 2 PM to 4 PM

Are you a newcomer to Canada who wants to pursue a career in Engineering? Join us to learn about the licensing process in B.C., barriers to employment experienced by immigrants, services and credentials that can help you obtain employment, and hiring opportunities with top employers.

Click here to register.

FREE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Freight Forwarding Certificate

This program, offered in partnership between Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) and the Universal Learning Institute, will enable participants to learn about: the Essentials of Freight Forwarding, International Transportation & Trade, Document Creation, and Spread Sheet Design and Modification.

Participants who successfully complete the program will receive the following credentials: Universal Learning Institute, QuickStart Skills Development: Global Trade & Marketing Diploma, and CIFFA International Freight Forwarding Certificate.

The program starts on October 11th. Click here for more information. Click here to apply online.

WarehouseAbilities: Training for Persons with Disabilities

Back in Motion has partnered with Universal Learning Institute to provide an 11-week training program designed to address employment barriers faced by Persons with Disabilities. The WarehouseAbilities skills training and supports prepare individuals for sustainable employment in the high-demand warehousing sector. The program is funded by the Government of Canada, through the Canada-British Columbia Workforce Development Agreement.

The program begins on October 12th. Click here for more information.

Encore Careers (55+)

Are you 55 or older and looking for an income? There’s a new program just for you! Encore Careers takes an innovative approach that helps you identify and use your strengths into today’s labour market. Encore Careers is a government-funded employment program to assist people aged 55+ find sustainable employment or self-employment. Employment supports, skills training and much more is provided over 13 weeks.

The program starts on October 18th. Click here for more information.

Baking & Pastry Essentials

Do you love cooking? Thinking about a career in food and hospitality? The new WorkBC Community Workforce Response program from the provincial government provides free skills training for qualified individuals! The program is 8 weeks hands-on training with employment assistance included, as well as equipment, uniforms, and supplies included. Classes are held in the evenings from 5:30pm to 10pm.

The program starts on October 25th. Click here for more information.

Virtual Customer Service / Digital Skills Training Program

Gain the skills needed to jumpstart your career into an Administrative/Customer Service job! This 17-week online program includes: 11 weeks of Technical and Employability & Essential Skills Training, 4 weeks Work Experience Placement, and 2 weeks Job Search and Placement Support.

The program starts on November 1st. Click here for more information, including eligibility.

Building Service Worker Program 

The Building Service Worker program is for individuals who have been impacted by violence and/or abuse as an adult or child. This 11-week program provides FREE skills training in partnership with Vancouver Community College, to prepare participants for employment opportunities in the Building Service Industry. Participants will gain employment as a building service worker, janitor, custodian or general cleaner in variety of settings including schools, hotels, recreation facilities, hospitals and building management and cleaning service companies.

The program starts on November 8th. Click here for more information.

EMPLOYER FEATURE: TUKTU

In 2019, Rustam Sengupta developed Tuktu – a community-driven platform that matches aging adults with community members willing to provide simple, on-demand services – after moving to Vancouver, away from his parents. He knew that like his parents, many seniors would find themselves feeling isolated and wanting companionship or help with day-to-day tasks, such as grocery shopping or having someone accompany them to appointments. As fate would have it, the global pandemic hit not long after Tuktu made its debut, accelerating the demand for its services.

According to Komal Makkad, Head of Marketing at Tuktu, the platform was developed not only to provide older adults with support as needed, but as a means to create a sense of community at a time when feelings of isolation are at an all-time high. “Tuktu is about bringing people together as a community,” said Komal. “It’s about the community helping each other out to have a support network.”

Currently, the beta version of the Tuktu app offers 6 services in the Vancouver area: Personal Shopping (delivering groceries and other essentials to seniors’ homes), Technology Help (helping seniors set-up and learn to use their digital devices), Dog Walking, Hobby Lessons (sharing a hobby with a senior who is interested in learning or returning to it), Rides & Accompaniment (accompanying seniors to appointments, events, and shopping trips), and Check-in & Virtual Assistance (supporting seniors and engaging them in conversation virtually). Seniors and their families can book these services by using the app or calling the Tuktu hotline.

“It’s really customized for each individual,” said Komal. “For example, we offer rides, which isn’t like a rideshare company. If a senior has a doctors’ appointment, they can book for someone to accompany them…it isn’t just about getting a ride.” Like all of Tuktu’s services, creating genuine connections is at the core of every service, which is why empathy is among the top traits the company looks for among community members who want to become 'Tuktus' (service providers to seniors).

“Empathy is number one,” said Komal. “When we select our ‘Tuktus,’ we take a lot of time to get to know each person, and they get to know us. We want to know we have the right kind of person.” Komal emphasizes the careful vetting process for individuals who want to become ‘Tuktus’ since “they will be interacting with aging adults, who are a vulnerable group in the community, and we want to ensure the safety of both parties.”

Tuktu is also expanding its internal team as the demand for its services continues to grow.  “Being a small team, we take a lot of effort to know each other and make sure we work well together,” said Komal. “There’s a lot of mutual respect in the team, and team work is key.”

To learn more about current opportunities with Tuktu, please click on the following links: Digital Marketing Specialist, Senior Content Specialist, and Developer. 

CLIENT SUCCESS STORY

Thalita's story: "I got a job that I've always desired"

The company I was working for had to downsize after suffering weeks of financial problems. It was very unexpected and almost everyone was laid off, including me. Quickly, I started to look for a full-time job and applied for EI – that's when WorkBC reached out to me and offered their professional assistance.

I had always wanted to enter the creative industry in Vancouver. Though I've had professional work experience before coming to Canada, it wasn't up to the industry standard, and I still had to start over and rework my portfolio. It's also difficult for me because I didn't have many contacts that I could reach out to.

I actually didn't know that the WorkBC could help with my situation until they reached out to me by phone. I was at that point where I was tired of being rejected or ghosted by potential employers and after hearing what the WorkBC could do, I didn't hesitate to accept their service.

I didn't expect much at the start, but now I am very grateful to the WorkBC team. They really wanted me to succeed. They called me at least once every 2 weeks to check on my job search progress, asked me what I needed, and offered me advice. Since I was not so good with interviews, I found the Interview workshop very useful.

They even offered me a one-on-one interview practice a couple of hours before my real interview! Also, they have a wide range of contacts. They always notified me if there were companies hiring for the roles I was looking for. If I was interested in applying for the role, they would reach out to the employer directly to make sure that the hiring manager would look at my resume.

Long story short, I got a job that I've always desired through their help. It's a contract job, but that's the nature of the animation industry. It's already an achievement for me to get my foot in the door.

I'd like to thank WorkBC for every encouragement and support they gave me. The layoff period was very hard for me, especially during the pandemic. WorkBC motivated me to stop feeling bad for myself every time I got a rejection, and that's exactly what I needed.

HOT JOBS

Multiple positions available: Program Coordinator, Front Line Social Support Worker, Tenant Support Worker, Building Manager
Vancouver Native Housing Society (VNHS)
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Multiple positions available: Customer Service Representative, Delivery Driver, Call Centre/Community Care Team Lead, Operations Manager, and more
SPUD.ca
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Game Presenter (Malay, Chinese Mandarin or Vietnamese speaking) 
Evolution
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Multiple positions available
Association of Neighbourhood Houses B.C. (Visit link below for specific locations)
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Multiple positions available: Senior Lighting/Compositing Artist, Production Coordinator, CG Animators, and more
WildBrain
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Account Manager, Community Engagement
NPower Canada (Vancouver)
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Multiple positions available: Casual Operations and Administrative Team Members, Accounting Associate, and more
Raymond James
View postings 

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

CONNECT WITH US

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