Up to 30 unemployed Lower Mainland residents will receive skills training and work experience in office and medical office administration thanks to a new Community and Employer Partnership with Vancouver Community College.

The Province is providing $246,343 to Vancouver Community College (VCC) to deliver the 36-week vocational program, which will offer administrative-skills training, transferable-work experience and employment support to participants, helping them return to work and launch careers in administration. Participant recruitment will focus on individuals facing barriers to employment.

The program is modelled on cohort-based training which emphasizes the value of peer support and feedback throughout the learning process. The students will spend the first 18 weeks of the program in a classroom setting learning employability skills such as time management, how to find, maintain and progress in a job, communicate well, and manage conflict. They will also learn occupational skills – job-specific, practical skills – such as learning terminology and protocol, how to use equipment and software, and serve clients. 

Each student will then pair with one of 18 VCC-community partners for a four-week work experience-practicum placement within a general or medical-administrative environment. There, they will apply newly-learned skills and gain valuable on-the-job knowledge and experience.

Students will leave the program with a strong practical foundation in administration, plus work experience to add to their resume. VCC will provide a minimum of four weeks of individualized coaching and support to the students while they apply for positions in their field, helping them translate their experience in the program into meaningful employment.

This VCC program is based on standard vocational-training programs at the college, but considered a “plus” program with an integrated-support network. For example, students receive a one-week intensive college readiness course to ensure they are familiar with the resources and supports available to them. Each student also receives one-to-one coaching from a program advisor as well as ongoing support from their WorkBC Employment Services Centre case manager.

Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation funding is provided through the Project-Based Labour Market Training stream of the Community and Employer Partnerships (CEP) program, which funds projects that increase employability levels and share labour market information.

This is the second Community and Employer Partnership between VCC and the Province. The program retention rate is nearly 100% and most graduates are employed within a month of finishing the program, often by the practicum-placement employer.

Community and Employer Partnerships are featured in B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint and provide support to people who are struggling to gain a foothold in the job market. They also help build stronger partnerships with industry and labour to connect British Columbians with classroom instruction and on-the-job training, while making it easier for employers to hire the skilled workers they need – when and where they need them.

To date, more than 1,500 job seekers have benefited from work experience and more than 270 projects have been funded throughout the province.

Quotes:

Michelle Stilwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation –

“I am very pleased that up to 30 Vancouver residents will benefit from this partnership with Vancouver Community College. Administrative skills are highly transferable and these participants will be able to leverage their experience to access many excellent opportunities available in today’s job market.”

Dr. Peter Nunoda, president, Vancouver Community College –

“Thanks to the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation, VCC can make a difference to 30 individuals who will receive the skills, knowledge and support needed for continuous success in their careers. I take tremendous pride that 95% of VCC graduates get employment, but I am especially proud for innovative programs like this that help those with barriers.”

Helen Novaindah, past participant –

“Joining this program is one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had. As an immigrant, I have had frustrating moments in finding sustainable work. In this program, I have had all of the support from the government and especially from Vancouver Community College's staff, advisors and instructors, who tirelessly and sincerely helped and encouraged me. I couldn't have done the program without them. I feel that I'm a different person: I'm more confident and proactive. And now that I finally have full-time, meaningful work, I feel like I belong here.”

Quick Facts:

• Vancouver Community College serves a diverse urban community by providing programs and services that prepare learners for ongoing education, direct entry into employment, career advancement and greater participation in the community.
• Vancouver Community College will work with a host of community partners to deliver the projects, including Boys and Girls Clubs of South Coast, YWCA Work BC Centre, Network of Inner City Community Services Society, RYSA Richmond Youth Service Agency, VGH & UBC Foundation, Dress for Success, BC Council for Families, Save-on-Meats, SOS Children’s Village BC, Strathcona Business Improvement Association (BIA), Brooke Radiology Associates, Fadi Tarazi MD FRCS, Copeman Healthcare, Care Pointe Medical Centre, Fraser Street Medical Clinic, Greig & Associates and Norburn Medical.
• Local WorkBC Employment Services Centres play a lead role in connecting eligible job seekers to Community and Employer Partnerships opportunities in their communities. Once the right match of client to project has been found, the effort of the WorkBC Centre continues by providing financial supports and services to ensure success.
• In 2016-17, the ministry has committed to investing $331 million in employment and labour market programs under the Employment Program of BC.
• The Employment Program of BC is funded by the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada through the Labour Market Development Agreement.
• Funding supports 84 WorkBC Employment Services Centres throughout the province and the five components of the Community and Employer Partnerships fund:
• Job Creation Partnerships
• Labour Market Partnerships
• Project-Based Labour Market Training
• Research and Innovation
• Social Innovation

Who is eligible for Community and Employer Partnerships funding?

• Businesses
• Non-profit organizations
• Crown corporations
• Municipalities, agencies or territorial governments
• First Nation bands/tribal councils
• Public health and educational institutions

Learn More:

Vancouver Community College: www.vcc.ca

BC Jobs Plan: http://bcjobsplan.gov.bc.ca/

Community and Employer Partnerships: www.workbc.ca/CEP

Discover work experience opportunities through your local WorkBC Employment Services Centre: www.workbccentres.ca

Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation: www.gov.bc.ca/sdsi

B.C.'s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: www.workbc.ca/skills