After just four years in operation, WorkBC Employment Services Centres have helped put more than 77,000 British Columbians back to work.

Launched in April 2012, WorkBC has provided services to over 221,000 people in communities throughout the province. Last year, 52% of those who received one-on-one personalized supports found a job and that number continues to grow.

WorkBC Centres provide a range of services and supports that help unemployed British Columbians prepare for, find and maintain employment. WorkBC Centres offer more than just traditional job search resources – they also provide specialized services and supports to people with disabilities, Aboriginal people, immigrants, youth and survivors of violence or abuse – specialized populations that can often find it difficult to gain a foothold in the job market.

With more than 71% of people who received services and supports having faced barriers to employment, WorkBC Centres are filling a need and demonstrating success.

John Lalonde did not want his hearing loss to keep him from pursuing his dream job as a bike mechanic in Revelstoke, so he reached out to his local WorkBC Employment Services Centre for help.

After a quick assessment, the WorkBC Centre helped John craft a plan to help manage his hearing loss and retain his job – and offered financial support to help him get two hearing aids. Now, thanks to his hearing aids and support from the WorkBC Centre team, John is hard at work as a bike mechanic and sales representative.

The range of supports available through WorkBC Centres is what makes the service work. Individuals are connected with a case manager who will assess their needs and put the right supports in place to help people succeed. This could include help with child care costs, money for public transit, assistive technology and devices or financial support during an apprenticeship or skills training.

With 84 WorkBC Centres and over 100 satellite offices throughout the province, employment services are available in almost every community for people who are unemployed or those looking for their next job. These centres, as well as the online resources available at WorkBC.ca provide a one-stop-shop for job seekers and employers looking to access employment and labour-market programs and services.