Mainland/Southwest

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 Mainland/Southwest region is expected to have 754,700 job openings over the next decade. 

The programs outlined below assist individuals facing multiple barriers to gain 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.

Early Childhood Education Assistant Training

This 16-week interculturally inclusive and accessible program is designed to equip new immigrant and refugee individuals to become certified Early Childhood Education Assistants (ECEA).

Training Locations:

• Vancouver

Contact:
Vancouver Community College, email or 604-443-8751

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:

• Burnaby
• Coquitlam
• Maple Ridge
• New Westminster
• North Vancouver
• Pitt Meadows
• Port Coquitlam
• Port Moody
• Vancouver
• West Vancouver
• White Rock

Contact:
Insignia College or 778-695-7030

Acquiring Community-based Employment Skills (ACES) - Multiple Barriers

Acquiring Community-based Employment Skills (ACES) provides certificate-based training, along with life skills, employment readiness workshop and job placements and support. It is offered in person and online, with group learning and individualized training plans. 

Training Locations:

• Abbotsford
• Burnaby
• Chilliwack
• Delta
• Ladner
• Langley
• Maple Ridge
• Mission
• New Westminster
• North Vancouver
• Pitt Meadows
• Richmond
• Squamish
• Tri-Cities
• West Vancouver
• White Rock

Contact:
Connective, email or 604-872-5471

Active Generation for Employment (AGE)

Active Generation for Employment (AGE) is an interactive three-week intensive office administration and customer service skills training program for older workers 55+. It offers specific office application skills, customer service training and one-to-one job search coaching.

Training Locations:

• All communities in Mainland/Southwest
• Burnaby
• Richmond
• Surrey
• Tri-Cities
• Vancouver

Contact:
SUCCESS, email or 778-394-8822 ext. 2002

Admin and Accounting Works

Admin and Accounting Works is an 11-week program that provides older workers 55+ with introductory skills training in accounting and bookkeeping for careers in office administration. It includes a work practicum, job search and placement assistance.

Training Locations:

• Delta
• Langley
• Surrey
• White Rock

Contact:
Sources Community Resources Society, email or 604-262-4858

Building Connection to Employment for Multi-Barriered Individuals (BCEMI)

The Building Connection to Employment for Multi-Barriered Individuals (BCEMI) program is for recent immigrants, refugees and visible minorities with limited English-speaking skills, education, and job experience. It offers in-person and online and multilingual programming. Participants gain the foundational knowledge and skills needed to work in the retail or warehousing industry.

Training Locations:

• Abbotsford
• Burnaby
• Chilliwack
• Coquitlam
• Delta
• Langley
• Maple Ridge
• Mission
• New Westminster
• North Vancouver
• Pitt Meadows
• Port Coquitlam
• Port Moody
• Surrey
• Vancouver
• West Vancouver
• White Rock

Contact:
Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society, email or 604-324-7733

Career Café

Career Café offers drop-in and customized services include skills training, assessments, employment counselling, job search assistance and personal supports for people who face multiple barriers in the Eastern Fraser Valley and Fraser Canyon areas.

Training Locations:

• Agassiz
• Boston Bar
• Harrison Hot Springs
• Harrison Mills
• Hope
• Manning Park
• Spuzzum
• Sunshine Valley
• Yale

Contact:
Free Rein Associates Training Ltd., email or 604-991-2278

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

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:

• Abbotsford
• Lillooet
• Richmond
• Squamish

Contact:
Canadian Vocational Training Centre, email or 1-888-348-2207 or 1-250-596-1575

Drive Forward: Immigrant Trucking Program

Drive Forward is a commercial trucking program for immigrants. It offers Level 1 and Level 2 Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT), trucker dispatch training and heavy equipment licensing (e.g. forklift, telehandler).

Training Locations:

• Musqueam First Nations
• Squamish
• Stó:lō First Nations
• Throughout Mainland Southwest region, including First Nations communities
• Tsleil-Waututh First Nations

Contact:
Umoja Operation Compassion Society of BC, email or 604-581-5574

Employment Now

Employment Now is a six-week employment program supporting young adults aged 16-29 contending with mental health concerns and other barriers with holistic, individualized assistance in addressing barriers to employment, including sector-based workshops and training in the areas of Retail Sales / Customer Service or Office Administration / Clerical to advance their skills and gain improved confidence to find meaningful, sustainable employment or self-employment. Employment Now offers sessions bi-monthly, using a hybrid service delivery model based on the needs of each participant.

Training Locations:

• Metro Vancouver

Contact:
Boys and Girls Club of South Coast BC, email or 604-591-9262 ext. 117

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:

• Abbotsford
• Burnaby
• Chilliwack
• Coquitlam
• Delta
• Langley
• Maple Ridge
• Mission
• New Westminster
• North Vancouver
• Pitt Meadows
• Port Coquitlam
• Port Moody
• Surrey
• Vancouver
• West Vancouver
• White Rock
• Virtual

Contact:
Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society, email or 604-596-7722 ext. 130

EMPOW3R - Employment Readiness Program for Survivors of Violence Abuse & Trauma

EMPOW3R is an employment training program for women who identify as survivors of violence, abuse and trauma. Participants learn skills for jobs in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECEA) with a focus on skills training, job search training and life skills workshops in a trauma-informed environment.

Training Locations:

• Burnaby
• Vancouver

Contact:
Kiwassa Neighbourhood House, email or 604-254-5401

Encore Careers

Encore Careers is a 10-week program for older workers 55+ who are transitioning careers. The program provides specialized, enhanced career services and a suite of employment services.

Training Locations:

• Maple Ridge
• Pitt Meadows
• Tri-Cities

Contact:
Douglas College, email or 604-777-6099

FOOD SKILLS BC

Food Skills BC is a six-week employment program for newcomers to Canada looking for training, skills, certification and experience to find jobs in the food and agriculture industry. 

Training Locations:

• Aldergrove
• Chilliwack
• Langley
• Maple Ridge
• Mission
• Pitt Meadows

Contact:
Mission Community Skills Centre Society, email or 604-427-1991

Future Educators and Health Professionals

The Future Educators and Health Professionals program provides participants with coursework and practicum training to obtain certification or diploma in health professions, including health care assistant-acute care (HCA), medical office assistant and Early Childhood Education Assistant (ECEA). 

Training Locations:

• Across Mainland Southwest region

Contact:
Western Community College

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

Green Energy Trades Training Program

This 10-week hybrid training program provides participants with an industry recognized credential and the foundational knowledge and skills required to work in the green energy industry. It includes an on-the-job practicum, job search support and follow-up services. 

Training Locations:

• Burnaby
• Coquitlam
• Maple Ridge
• New Westminster
• North Vancouver
• Pitt Meadows
• Port Moody
• Vancouver
• West Vancouver
• White Rock

Contact:
ACE Community College, email or 604-603-ACE1 (2231)

GVS (Gastown Vocational Services) Skills for Wellness & Work 

Skills for Wellness & Work is a six-week in person group for job seekers with vulnerabilities to mental health and substance use who have experienced trauma and/or abuse. Participants gain soft skills, essential skills and short-term skills training.

Training Locations:

• Vancouver

Contact:
Gastown Vocational Services, email or 604-675-2535

HEAL (Hope, Empowerment, Adaptability and Learning) for Work

Hope, Empowerment, Adaptability and Learning for Work (HEAL) is a six-week hybrid program for women who are survivors of trauma and violence. Through a trauma-informed approach, employment specialists and clinical counsellors provide employability, life skills and psycho-educational workshops, as well as career counselling through group-based learning, one-on-one coaching and personal supports. 

Training Locations:

• Across the Mainland Southwest region

Contact:
DIVERSEcity, email or 604-547-1260

Job Futures 55+

YWCA Job Futures 55+ is a 10-week employment program for mature workers that features group-based workshops on career exploration, employment options and health and wellness. It offers individualized training plans, skills training or upgrading, job search support and on-the-job training.

Training Locations:

• Vancouver
• Virtual

Contact:
YWCA Metro Vancouver, email or 604-900-3466

Job Options

Job Options is an eight-week virtual and in person employment program that includes workshops and one-to-one coaching on life and employment skills. It offers personal supports through community and employer partners.

Training Locations:

• Abbotsford
• Chilliwack
• Harrison Hot Springs
• Hope
• Kent
• Mission

Contact:
Pacific Community Resources Society, email or 604-992-2133 

Jobs in Demand: Industry Skills Training Employment Program for Multi-Barrier Individuals

Jobs in Demand is a skills training program for six to eight weeks that targets high-demand sectors like social services, hospitality and trades, and it equips participants with industry-specific training and certifications. It is guided by employer partners, inclusivity and resilience in the workforce, bridging the gap between job seekers and employers.

Training Locations:

• Kamloops
• Kelowna
• Squamish
• Sunshine Coast
• Vancouver
   

Contact:
Open Door Group

Learn and Earn Enhanced Program

The Learn and Earn Enhanced Program enables participants to gain certifications, mentoring, career exploration, further education and job skills.

Training Locations:

• Vancouver
• Across Lower Mainland including:
• Abbotsford
• Chilliwack
• Surrey

Contact:
EMBERS, email or 236-997-0971

Next Steps

Next Steps is a training and employment program for women facing barriers to mid-level employment or further education. It provides sector-specific and employment readiness training, financial support, one-on-one coaching and job placement.  

Training Locations:

• Across the Mainland Southwest Region

Contact:
MOSAIC, email or 604-636-4712

Q+ Works - 2SLGBTQIA+ Young Adults at Risk Skills Training for Employment (STE) Program

Q+ Works for 2SLGBTQIA+ Young Adults at Risk is a 10-week in person group program for career development. It features training plans, job searches and/or application preparation for further education or training.

Training Locations:

• Lower Mainland

Contact:
Douglas College, email or 604-777-6099

QUEST (Quality Employment Skills Training)

Quality Employment Skills Training (QUEST) is a customized, flexible employment skills training program that provides free short-term certificate training, job search assistance, and small group workshop opportunities for individuals facing multiple barriers to employment. QUEST is offered in person or virtually, one-on-one and in a group setting.

Training Locations:

• Abbotsford
• Chilliwack
• Fraser Valley Regional District
• Hope
• Mission
• Virtual

Contact:
Buxton Consulting Ltd., email or 604-504-5419

SAHARA Employment Program for Men

SAHARA Employment Program for Men is a six-week trauma-informed and hybrid program. Employment specialists and clinical counsellors provide employability, life skills and psycho-educational workshops, as well as career counselling, through group-based learning, one-on-one coaching and personal supports. 

Training Locations:

• Delta
• Langley
• Newton Town Centre - Hybrid
• Surrey
• White Rock

Contact:
DIVERSEcity, email or 604-547-1260

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:

• Langley

Contact:
Canadian Vocational Training Centre, email or 1-888-348-2207 or 1-250-596-1575

Skills for Today’s Workplace

Skills for Today’s Workplace is an 11-week program that provides individualized employment planning and skills training to explore and build careers for people individuals impacted by violence and/or abuse. It includes short-term certificate training, work experience, job search and placement assistance.  

Training Locations:

• Delta
• Langley
• Surrey
• White Rock

Contact:
Sources Community Resources Society, email or 604-262-4858

Skills Hub

This program offers recent immigrants skills training through a flexible, hybrid system that address unique learning needs. Participants receive personal supports, employment readiness and placements.

Training Locations:

• Burnaby
• Coquitlam
• Langley
• Maple Ridge
• New Westminster
• Richmond
• Squamish
• Surrey
• Vancouver (Terminal and Welcome Centre)

Contact:
Immigrant Services Society of BC, email or 604-683-1684

STRIDE for Older Workers

Skills Training Results in Directed Education/Employment (STRIDE) offers job search and career planning workshops for adults who are 55+. Services are offered in group or one-on-one settings.

Training Locations:

• Abbotsford
• Virtual

Contact:
Archway Community Services, email or 604-557-3690 or 236-380-3477

Survive to Thrive

YWCA Survive to Thrive is a 12-week program that offers specialized employment and skills training services and financial supports for survivors of violence and/or abuse. Group workshops and one-to-one support in a safe environment is provided by trained violence/trauma-informed career advisors and facilitators.

Training Locations:

• Burnaby
• Burquitlam
• Metro Vancouver
• Surrey
• Tri-Cities
• Virtual

Contact:
YWCA Metro Vancouver, email or 604-936-5694 or 778-877-1533

The Rise Up Program for Survivors of Violence and/or Abuse

Rise Up provides one-to-one and group-based life skills training, employment and personal counselling, vocational assessments, occupational training, work experience, job search assistance and financial supports to people who identify as a survivor of violence and/or abuse of any kind.

Training Locations:

• Abbotsford
• Chilliwack
• Maple Ridge
• Mission

Contact:
Triangle Community Resources, email or 604-859-0033

The RITE Program 

The Reaching Independence Through Employment (RITE) Program provides participants with the skills and experience needed to find and sustain meaningful employment. It offers one-to-one and group-based life skills training, employment and personal counselling, vocational assessments, occupational training, work experience, job search assistance and financial supports for people struggling with multiple barriers to employment.

Training Locations:

• Abbotsford
• Chilliwack
• Maple Ridge
• Mission

Contact:
Triangle Community Resources, email or 604-859-0033

WarehouseAbilities 

The WarehouseAbilities program prepares individuals for employment in the warehousing sector over the course of 12 weeks. Participants receive a range of personal and disability supports like work simulation, supported job search and job coaching opportunities and certifications. 

Training Locations:

• Richmond
• Virtual

Contact:
Back In Motion Rehab Inc, email or 604-273-7350

Women’s Empowerment & Employment Readiness (WEE-R) Project

The Women’s Empowerment and Employment Readiness (WEE-R) Project is a 12-week hybrid program of skills training, wellness supports, and occupation-specific training and certification for immigrant and newcomer women to Canada.

Training Locations:

• Delta
• Langley
• Surrey
• White Rock

Contact:
Options Community Services Society, email or 604-830-3307

Work 2 Live Program

Work 2 Live is a 12–24 month program that connects people ages 19-27 to long-term supportive housing and employment, wraparound supports, training, and coaching. Training and coaching is also offered to employers to help provide a safe and inclusive workplace.

Training Locations:

• D’Arcy
• Metro Vancouver
• Pemberton
• Squamish
• Squamish-Lillooet Regional District

Contact:
Zero Ceiling, email or 604-962-5000

Youth Breakthrough to Employment and Training (YBEAT) Program

Youth Breakthrough to Employment and Training (YBEAT) offers participants experiencing mental-health barriers one-on-one coaching, training, and supports for groceries, transportation, clothing and mental wellness.

Training Locations:

• Abbotsford
• Chilliwack
• Harrison Hot Springs
• Hope
• Kent
• Mission

Contact:
YMCA BC, email or 236-522-1277

This project is funded by the Government of B.C. through the Future Ready Action Plan and the Government of Canada.