Kootenay
The British Columbia Labour Market Outlook estimates 76% of all job openings in the next 10 years will require some level of post-secondary education or skills training. The Kootenay region is expected to have 26,300 job openings over the next decade.
The programs outlined below aim to assist individuals facing multiple barriers 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% of participants achieve employment or pursue further education and training after completing a skills training program.
Accounting & Payroll Certificate for Multi-Barriered Persons Training Project
This certificate program takes place both in-person and online over 23 weeks. It offers participants customized training, a job practicum, job search support and follow up services.
Training Locations:
- Virtual
Contact:
Insignia College or 778-695-7030
CareerConnect
CareerConnect is a skills training and employment program for a career in local, in-demand fields. It offers social networking, job search support, job placements, industry-specific certifications and direct connections to employers.
Training Locations:
- Castlegar
- Nelson
- Trail
Contact:
Kootenay Career Development Society, email or 250-777-7833
Computer Skills for the Office Short Certificate Program for Immigrant and Racialized Women
This 34-week online Computer Skills for the Office Short Certificate Program for Immigrant and Racialized Women focuses on comprehensive skills and pre-employment training for entry or transition to office administrative positions.
Training Locations:
- Virtual
Contact:
Langara College, email or 604-218-8206
Connect
Connect Phase 1 offers drop-in style, flexible employment workshops, with immediate supports such as food and mental health counselling referrals. Connect Phase 2 is an eight-week skills training and job placement program that combines in-person groups, individual and virtual programming, on-the job coaching and other employment and personal supports.
Training Locations:
- Cranbrook
- Creston
- Fernie
- Invermere
Contact:
Kootenay Employment Services, email or Creston: 250-428-5655, Cranbrook: 250-489-5117, Fernie: 250-423-4204, Invermere: 250-341-6889
DeNovo
DeNovo assists participants in upgrading skills for employment in a high demand industry. It also provides supports as required for childcare, accommodations, and mental and emotional health. DeNovo is up to 12 weeks in length and offered in person, or blended (online and in person) as needed.
Training Locations:
- Castlegar
- Trail
Contact:
Canadian Vocational Training Centre, email or 1-888-348-2207 or 1-250-596-1575
Employment Options (EO) for 55+
Employment Options helps individuals and newcomers to Canada aged 55+ find employment in transportation, warehouse logistics, security guard and other in-demand jobs. The program includes workshops, skills training, certifications and one-on-one assistance with job searches and self-employment as well as follow-up assistance.
Training Locations:
- Virtual
Contact:
Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society, email or 604-596-7722 ext. 130
Get BC Working!
Get BC Working! offers employment counselling, job entry skills, certificate training, paid work experience, mentoring and on-the-job support.
Training Locations:
- Province-wide
Contact:
Bowman Employment Services, email or 250-861-3100
Headwaters
Headwaters is a six-week skills training and employment program for people who identify mental health as a barrier to employment. It provides social, emotional and financial supports as well as work placement.
Training Locations:
- Castlegar
- Nelson
- Trail
Contact:
Kootenay Career Development Society, email or 250-777-7833
QWORKS
QWORKS is a 20-week skills training program with online classes and self-paced learning. Content is tailored to the experiences and needs of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. It includes one-on-one coaching, referrals to personal supports, employment placements and on-the-job training.
Training Locations:
- B.C.-wide, including First Nations
Contact:
ETHOS Career Management Group Ltd., email or 1-877-714-0471 or 250-741-8116
RISE (Renew, Inspire, Support, Engage)
RISE provides a supportive approach to skills and employment training for mature workers aged 50+, adult immigrants, refugees, visible minorities, people with open work permits, survivors of trauma, and other multi-barriered participants. Through RISE, participants can access micro-credential training leading directly to employment; supports to alleviate mental, spiritual, physical and emotional barriers to employment; and hiring grants for employment.
Training Locations:
- Trail
- Virtual for Castlegar, Grand Forks, Nelson, Salmo and surrounding areas
Contact:
Greater Trail Community Skills Centre Society, email or 250-368-6360
Securit
Securit prepares individuals over the course of 12 weeks for a wide range of entry level positions in the security industry. It also provides supports as required for childcare, accommodations and mental and emotional health.
Training Locations:
- Kootenay region
Contact:
Canadian Vocational Training Centre, email or 1-888-348-2207 or 1-250-596-1575
Wildland Firefighting and Silviculture Training (WFST)
The eight-week Wildland Firefighting & Silviculture Training program introduces participants to a variety of possible career paths in the natural resource sector through a combination of classroom and hands-on instruction. Covering 16 valuable industry certifications, participants will gain the skills, support and connections to launch a fulfilling career in wildland firefighting or other field-based forestry roles.
Training Locations:
- Cranbrook
Contact:
Stillwater Consulting Ltd, email
This project is funded by the Government of B.C. through the Future Ready Action Plan and the Government of Canada.