Mainland/Southwest
It was really a miracle for me to come across Intersections and find so much support that has really motivated me to pursue a fulfilling career. – Ana
The British Columbia Labour Market Outlook estimates 76 percent of all job openings in the next 10 years will require some level of post-secondary education or skills training, or management or supervisory experience. The Mainland and Southwest region is expected to have 754,700 job openings over the next decade.
The programs outlined below are designed to support people living in B.C. in gaining the skills needed to participate in the labour market, secure sustainable employment or move on to further education or training that can benefit their lives.
More than 80 percent of participants achieve employment or pursue further education and training after completing a skills training program.
Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society
Training Locations: Vancouver and Surrey
Contact: Email or 604-688-9116
BladeRunners serves as a vital link connecting the construction industry’s needs with opportunities for inner-city youth in the Greater Vancouver area. Participants will get life skills training and health and safety education. The program offers support for up to a year, successfully placing youth into employment with supportive employer partners. A dedicated team provides comprehensive support daily, extending beyond regular working hours — a key feature of this award-winning model.
Embers
Training Locations: Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Surrey and Vancouver
Contact: Email or 236-997-0971
EMBERS provides training and support for people living in B.C. and focuses on employment readiness and career exploration in construction, customer service and warehouse work. The program provides skills training, networking opportunities and apprenticeships. Additional supports include coaching, counselling, personal protective equipment, a training allowance, transit passes meals and more.
Gastown Vocational Services
Training Location: Vancouver
Contact: Email or 604-675-2535
A psychosocial vocational rehabilitation program for young adults who are living with mental health conditions, the program provides individualized, flexible, holistic and trauma-informed services. This involves one-to-one support, offering a range of services to support work readiness, mental health coping strategies, paid employment or education and training.
Intersections Media Opportunities for Youth Society
Training Location: Vancouver
Contact: Email or 604-374-5164
Intersections Digital Media Workshop is a unique virtual program designed to provide people living in B.C. with essential skills, job readiness, work experience, on-the-job training, job coaching and ongoing support. The program helps marginalized and underrepresented youth launch careers in the film industry, offering the tools, certifications and confidence needed to achieve long-term sustainable employment.
Upon completion, participants receive the Intersections Digital Media Workshop Certificate of Completion, recognized by the B.C. film industry. This certificate is a key credential that helps participants secure entry-level employment in the industry.
Pacific Community Resources Society
Training Locations: Surrey and Vancouver
Contact: Email or 604-999-2301
The Baristas Training Program is a six-week in-person program designed to support people living in B.C. in successfully transitioning to employment. The program offers workshops focused on life and employment skills, career exploration and espresso bar training. Participants gain the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to begin their employment journey.
YWCA Metro Vancouver
Training Locations: Vancouver and virtual
Contact: Email or 604-250-9342
The YWCA Gear Up Program is a 13-week program for NEET youth (not enrolled in education, employment or training) looking to become bicycle mechanics. The program consists of a paid honorarium throughout the program, six weeks of hands-on bicycle mechanic training combined with life skills and employability workshops and a five-week placement at a bike store. If participants aren’t hired after placement, they also receive two weeks of one-on-one job search support.
