If you are out of work, in need of some additional education or training, or require advice on how to market your existing skills better but don’t know who to turn to for help, you can feel very much alone.
But you shouldn’t, because WorkBC Richmond and others like it based in communities around the province are in your corner with a host of ways to help through its Employment Services arm.
Any person in B.C. can access the self-serve resource area of the WorkBC Centres. There are no eligibility criteria or formal screening requirements. As for WorkBC Case Managed Employment Services, your status needs to be unemployed or precariously employed British Columbians (who are legally eligible to work in B.C.).
Besides, WorkBC Richmond can also take particular care of people from diverse backgrounds with different skills and abilities, including: immigrants, people with disabilities, survivors of violence, youth, youth at risk and Indigenous population to ensure everyone is being treated with dignity and respect, and that opportunities for employment are maximized.
In Richmond, there are two WorkBC Centres—one in central Richmond at 8111 Granville Ave., close to Richmond City Hall, and the other opposite the Ironwood Plaza at #1030 - 10820 No. 5 Road.
WorkBC was created with one key goal, and that was to help all British Columbians successfully navigate the B.C. labour market. And all of its services are free of charge.
“The purpose of WorkBC Richmond is to provide individuals, employers and communities in Richmond with employment services and supports so that our clients can become more independent through sustainable employment, and the employers and communities can develop a strong workforce,” says Queenie Choo of S.U.C.C.E.S.S., which runs the WorkBC Richmond locations.
WorkBC helps guide all applicants through their work journey, whether they are at the pre-employment stage, need to bolster their employment skills, gain certification, or develop the mental readiness for employment.
WorkBC Richmond provides help with short-term training programs such as computer skills, First Aid, Forklift, FoodSafe, Customer Service and more. Long-term training is also available at various post-secondary institutions through WorkBC Richmond occupational skills training program for clients seeking career change.
WorkBC Richmond offers services in English and the following languages: Cantonese, Tagalog, Mandarin, Czech, Cebuano, Hindi, Punjabi, Spanish, Malayalam, Tamil and Korean.
And when you are ready to start looking for work, WorkBC Richmond has workshops to equip you with the skills to build a resume, cover letter, and prepare you for a job interview. Their job developers also actively pitch their applicants to employers to let them know they have potential candidates. WorkBC Richmond helps organize monthly hiring events with employers to connect clients with the job opportunities.
Those who are aspiring to be self-employed can benefit from WorkBC Richmond’s help to develop and implement a business plan, focusing on building a sustainable business with financial assistance at the early stage of business development.
Financial support is another facet available at WorkBC Richmond for those who have successfully landed a job. It can include developing a budget for acquiring workplace gear, tools, a uniform, or even daycare options that will give them peace of mind they can go to work and not worry about the care of their children.
WorkBC Richmond also helps employers through its wage subsidy program that can pay up to 50 per cent of wages for a new hire candidate, which can be a huge incentive for local employers.
Access to WorkBC Richmond Employment Services is available virtually and in-person, and appointments for both can be scheduled.
Visit WorkBC Richmond or call 778-732-1529 for more information.
