Christmas is going to be much more jolly for Les Bennett and his family this year. Out of work after spending 25 years in the forestry industry, 56-year-old Les was living in Salmon Arm and out of options. But when a friend directed him to the local WorkBC Employment Services Centre, his life changed for the better – a recommendation that eventually led to a job and a steady paycheque.

“I didn’t really know what was out there,” said Les, who is married with a 24-year-old son. “I probably had 250 resumes out there and nobody would take me. When I went in to WorkBC, I was totally amazed at what they had to offer. I received unbelievable help.”

After connecting with WorkBC and being set up with two skills training projects, Les got the experience he needed to add to his resume before finding full-time work in heavy equipment operation.

Les had been out of work for three months before working with a WorkBC case manager. There, he was set up with the Southern Interior Construction Association for a Project-Based Labour Market Training directed at people who want to become heavy equipment operators.

“We talked about me becoming a heavy equipment operator,” Les said, “and they set me up with a program that would help me do that, and that I would get paid while I was in it. I was like, ‘are you serious?’ I couldn’t believe it and I jumped at it.”

During the program he learned new skills in a classroom setting before putting those skills to work in an on-the-job environment. The training project was funded by the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation’s Community and Employer Partnerships fund for $1.4 million to help Les and 35 other participants gain employment skills.

“I now have all of my tickets for running any machine,” Les said.

After the training program was complete, job offers didn’t come right away. To get him more work experience, his case manager set him up with another Community and Employer Partnership program. Les was part of a four-person crew that refurbished historic Chinese dragon boats originally used during Expo 86 that would be showcased at community events throughout the province.

“I loved being a part of it because I have a passion for wood-working,” Les said.

That work experience project was a Job Creation Partnership that provided nearly $180,000 to help Les and three other unemployed participants hone their skills in wood-working and community engagement.

It wasn’t long until Les found full-time employment. He is now working with Cantex as a heavy equipment operator in Williams Lake – putting his new skills to work on the Highway 97 widening project driving a 70-tonne rock truck.

With the holidays approaching, it has made Christmas a less stressfull and more enjoyable time for him and his family.

“I’m enjoying it a whole lot more,” Les said. “It’s going to be a great Christmas.”

After finding a job he can be proud of, Les has created a better life for him and his family – another example of government employment services paying off for British Columbians.

Learn More:

For more information on Community and Employer Partnerships: http://www.workbc.ca/CEP