Vancouver Island/Coast

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 Vancouver Island/Coast region is expected to have 166,700 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.

Career Centre

Training Location: Parksville
Contact: Email or 250-248-3205

Participants will gain basic life skills, hands-on job readiness training and earn industry-recognized certifications such as First Aid, WHMIS, Serving It Right and Cashier Training. This program is designed for youth who are not attending school full time and are interested in preparing for employment in the retail and hospitality industry.

Coast Salish Employment and Training Society

Training Locations: Nanaimo, Duncan and Victoria
Contact: Email or 250-746-0183

The CSETS BladeRunners offers group-based pre-employment training to Indigenous youth across 17 Bands and three Friendship Centres.

CSETS BladeRunners includes work experience, employment placement and ongoing job maintenance in trades, tourism and hospitality. The program incorporates cultural teachings wherever possible.

John Howard Society of Victoria

Training Location: Victoria
Contact: Email or 250-386-3428

BladeRunners is an award-winning employment program designed to help youth obtain and sustain full-time employment in various industries. The program provides support, mentorship and the tools needed for sustainable, long-term employment.

The program begins with two weeks of classroom-based training focused on job readiness and employability skills, followed by assisted job search support.

Laichwiltach Family Life Society

Training Location: Campbell River
Contact: Email or 250-286-3430

This program provides people living in B.C. with the tools, resources and support needed to pursue meaningful and sustainable employment. Participants have the opportunity to earn up to nine industry-recognized certificates while engaging in ongoing discussions about how to secure and maintain meaningful employment.

Lift Community Services

Training Location: Powell River
Contact: Email or 604-485-7958

BladeRunners equips participants with the essential skills and basic training needed to secure and maintain employment. The program provides life skills, job readiness training, work experience, on-the-job training, job coaching and ongoing support to unemployed or precariously employed individuals.

Nanaimo Youth Services Association

Training Locations: Nanaimo and Courtenay
Contact: Email or 250-754-1989

The program focuses on training in construction and customer service industries, providing participants with life skills, job readiness training, industry certifications and hands-on work experience.

North Vancouver Island Aboriginal Training Society

Training Locations: Campbell River and Port Hardy
Contact: Email or 250-286-3455

This program focuses on providing participants with the skills and training needed to enter the tourism, hospitality and service industries. It is designed for unemployed youth who have left the public school system before graduating.

Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council

Training Location: Port Alberni
Contact: Email or 250-723-1331

This comprehensive training program is designed to equip participants with the essential skills needed for success in today’s dynamic workplace. It offers three specialized courses aimed at preparing individuals for employment in administrative office settings, restaurant kitchens and the construction industry.