Rick Stiebel/B次元官网网址 Gazette staff
The Employment Program of B.C. assists people dealing with language barriers and other roadblocks seeking the path to employment. Through a contract with Work Link and a partnership with the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Society Centre, the Employment Program of B.C. aims to to assist citizens and newcomers to Canada in finding jobs that best suit their skill set.
The program provides free services for people looking for work that helps prepare them for the job market, said Andrea Westfall, a case manager for the program.
B次元官网网址淭here is a skills assessment process where we identify an individualB次元官网网址檚 long-term goals, background and expectations,B次元官网网址� Westfall explained. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 like a one on one mentorship program.B次元官网网址�
The program teaches those involved how to build a resume, prepare for an interview, and provides leads for employment, arranges job contacts and how to network with employers, all important parts of the process of finding the right job, Westfall noted.
B次元官网网址淲hat sets us apart is that we can meet people wherever theyB次元官网网址檙e comfortable,B次元官网网址� she said. Case managers are assigned to specific areas within the Capital Region, with Westfall and case manager Amarjit Bhalla offering assistance to people in Langford, Colwood, Sooke and Sidney.
B次元官网网址淲e specialize in working with immigrants by familiarizing them with how the job search process works in Canada,B次元官网网址� Bhalla said. She used as an example a talented seamstress who couldnB次元官网网址檛 speak a word of English that they were able to connect with an employer who recognized the expertise she could provide.
B次元官网网址淟anguage wasnB次元官网网址檛 a problem because of her skills,B次元官网网址� Bhalla said. B次元官网网址淲e were able to provide an interpreter for three days until she was comfortable. SheB次元官网网址檚 been employed since December and the employer is very, very happy.B次元官网网址�
