Vancouver Island/Coast
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 Vancouver Island/Coast region is expected to have 166,700 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
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:
- Bowser
- Campbell River
- Chemainus
- Comox
- Courtenay
- Crofton
- Cumberland
- Ladysmith
- Parksville
- Port Alberni
- Port Hardy
- Port McNeil
- Qualicum Beach
- Tofino
- Ucluelet
Contact:
Connective, email or 604-872-5471
APT: A Person-centered and Tailored Skills to Work Program
APT is a skill training and paid practicum work program for entry in construction, hospitality, janitorial, and agriculture jobs. It includes work readiness education as well as hands on experience.
Training Locations:
- Victoria
Contact:
John Howard Society
Bridges Employment Program
This program Inspires all women (transgender and cisgender), non-binary and two-spirit people who identify as a part of the women’s community who are affected by trauma, violence or abuse to reclaim their lives and build financial security. It offers in-person and remote options, workshops and comprehensive support and skills development.
Training Locations:
- Langford
- Victoria
Contact:
Bridges for Women, email or 250-385-7410 or 1-866-896-3356
Building on Skills & Strengths (BOSS)
Building on Skills and Strengths (BOSS) builds skills and job readiness with individual employment plans and group programs for survivors of violence and/or abuse, older workers 55+, persons with a disability, individuals with criminal justice system involvement and/or recent immigrants.
Training Locations:
- Bamfield
- Beaver Creek
- Cherry Creek Regional Districts
- Huu-ay-aht
- Port Alberni
- Sproat Lake
- Tofino
- Tseshaht and Hupacasath Territories
- Uchucklesaht
- Ucluelet
Contact:
INEO Employment Counselling Inc., email or 250-723-4675
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
Crafting your Career Pathway
Crafting your Career Pathway provides immigrants, newcomers, persons with disabilities, persons who have experienced abuse and violence with employability skills. Arts-based programming is weaved through career development skills and training.
Training Locations:
- Vancouver Island North region
Contact:
North Island Employment Foundation Society (NIEFS), email or 250-286-3441 or fax 250-286-3447
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:
- Campbell River
- Comox
- Nanaimo
- Port Alberni
- Victoria
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:
- Campbell River
- Courtney
- Duncan
- Langford
- Nanaimo
- Sidney
- Sooke
- Victoria
Contact:
Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society, email or 604-596-7722 ext. 130
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 Vancouver Island and Coast 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
Gray Skills
Gray Skills is an 18-week hybrid employment program for older workers 55+ with disabilities. It offers community-focused skills training with a dual-track approach tailored to employment or self-employment. It includes one-on-one coaching, referrals to personal supports, employment placements and on-the-job training.
Training Locations:
- Across Vancouver Island and Coast region including First Nations communities
Contact:
ETHOS Career Management Group Ltd., email or 1-877-714-0471 or 250-741-8116
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:
- Victoria
Contact:
ACE Community College, email or 604-603-ACE1 (2231)
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 communities
Contact:
ETHOS Career Management Group Ltd., email or 1-877-714-0471 or 250-741-8116
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:
- Vancouver Island and Coast
Contact:
Canadian Vocational Training Centre, email or 1-888-348-2207 or 1-250-596-1575
SKILL-IN
SKILL-IN is a flexible hybrid program that offers workplace essential skills enhancement, access to short term occupational skills training, employment services, including pre-employment services, and job placement for in-demand jobs.
Training Locations:
- Comox Valley
- Nanaimo
Contact:
Vancouver Island Vocational and Rehabilitation Services Ltd. (VIVRS), email or 250-753-4225
STEPS to Success III
This program offers integrated learning, healing and skill development that addresses the barriers and social economic challenges faced by Indigenous youth and adults.
Training Locations:
- Port Alberni
Contact:
Port Alberni Friendship Center, 250-723-8281 or 1-888-723-7232
Success in Finding Work: An Employment Project for Adult and Mature Newcomer, Refugee, Visible Minority and BIPOC Workers
This hybrid and group-based program provides adult and mature immigrants, refugees, visible minorities and BIPOC people skills training, employment readiness and placement support. It also offers mental health supports and resources.
Training Locations:
- Victoria
Contact:
Inter-Cultural Association, email or 250-388-4728
Training4Jobs “T4J”
Training4Jobs provides personalized and self-paced skills training for employment readiness. Supports are customized based on individual needs.
Training Locations:
- Victoria
- Virtual
Contact:
Kopar Administration Ltd.
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:
- Nanaimo
Contact:
Stillwater Consulting Ltd., email
Workplace Essentials Skills and Training (WEST)
Workplace Essentials Skills and Training (WEST) is a two-year certificate program for students with developmental and cognitive disabilities. It assists students' development with personal, interpersonal, employment and/or business skills.
Training Locations:
- Powell River
Contact:
Vancouver Island University, email
This project is funded by the Government of B.C. through the Future Ready Action Plan and the Government of Canada.
