After completing the PBLMT program I was hired by my practicum employer. WorkBC Centre Newton team helped turn my life completely around, and I couldn’t be more happy and thankful for where I am today. I went from working an unsustainable barber role, to living on income assistance, to having an electrician role, which will hopefully lead to a certified electrician position one day!

My case manager went above and beyond to help me achieve my employment goals. She went through my educational and work experience, and based on my preferences, recommended that I consider going to school and becoming a teaching assistant. Not only did this provide me with a sense of direction, but also allowed me to pursue my passions which is something I was incredibly grateful for. She was truly the first person to encourage me to follow my career goals in education rather than than simply finding any job I could get.

I had been hired. The counselor was very happy for me, and I thought that would be the end of it. To my surprise, she said that since I was new to work, I still needed Job Start Supports with transportation allowance, scrubs, and shoes. In just a couple of hours, I received the assistance I needed. I couldn’t believe it, but it happened!

WorkBC Centre Newton proved to be the guiding light. They recognized my potential and provided invaluable support by enrolling me in a program tailored to help newcomers like myself gain Canadian qualifications and relevant skills. This program not only equipped me with the necessary tools but also reignited my passion for my background profession.

I faced many challenges in my job search journey. Firstly, the lack of specialization and the biggest lack of knowledge of knowing which area would be suitable for me.

I migrated to Canada in August 2022. When we landed, we were full of hope and started applying for jobs from the very next day. We posted our CVs to every job portal and waited to hear from companies, but never heard back. This went on for almost a month and our frustration kept mounting and savings kept running out as we were settling down here.

Before going to WorkBC I was unemployed, and looking for a job for a period of 5 months. Since moving to Canada in 2013, I had been working in survival jobs in order to make ends meet, as a Carpenter, Helper and Labourer. I faced many challenges trying to find a job, because many of them asked me to have experience in the field I was applying for, they also asked me to have studies in that field of work.

When I registered at Work BC, I was unemployed and struggling to finish the hearing aid practitioner program internship practicum. At the beginning of the school program, I was working at Bayshore Pharmacy as a Pharmacy Assistant for two years and then I worked at Fraser Health Authority as an Audiometric Technician for two years.

I came to WorkBC Centre Newton after I moved from Yukon to Lower Mainland after obtaining my PR status. I came to Canada as a student in 2017. I completed 1 year of Certificate in Arts and was working with an employer on a restricted Work permit. Those initial years in Canada were very tough for me since I had to support myself financially, and be back on my feet as soon as possible so that I could support my family in India. Thanks to WorkBC for making it all happen!

I was unemployed and was looking for a job since last 6 months. Last year, I finished my program as Health Care Assistant. I applied in several facilities but they did not hire me because I had no prior experience in taking care of people suffering from dementia. I was looking for help to prepare my resume in the library and they told me about WorkBC and the services they offer.

I moved to Canada in January 2022 as Government Assisted Refugee from Afghanistan and was unemployed until July 2022. It took me 4 months to settle and I started my job search in May 2022. It took me nearly 3 months to get a job. Before moving to Canada, I had extensive experience as Social Worker.  My goal was to achieve employment in the social sector, such as a Settlement worker, Community Support worker or a job related where I could utilize my previous work experience gained while working for not-for-profit agencies in Afghanistan.

Though I came here with education from back home, I did not get the opportunity to get retrained here because of finances, therefore, it limited my options and chances of moving forward in a sustainable career. Lack of certification in the career of choice regardless of my experience was preventing me from finding employment since a certification is a requirement. Then, I learned about the PBLMT program at WorkBC and my case manager at WorkBC Centre Newton helped me enroll for the PBLMT program at Discovery Community College.

My name is Gulshad, and I am from Pakistan. I came to Canada about 7 years ago, and my past occupation was teaching. I am an immigrant. My employment status before WorkBC was unemployed and availing Employment Insurance benefits.

When I landed at the airport along with my husband and kids, the Immigration Department gave us the helpline number of WorkBC. I quickly made a call and initiated the registration process at WorkBC Centre Surrey Newton. Since November, I had been looking for a job in Canada. Due to lack of Canadian work experience, I was unable to find a job.

WorkBC Centre Newton has been that institution that could help me to make my dream come true by offering support in getting the Diploma of E.A. It provided me with funds for the Diploma in Surrey Community College along with financial support for my books, bus tickets and daycare for my child. All thanks to WorkBC that I’m now able to work in school as Education Assistant. I’d like to say to everyone who is facing difficulties, don’t give up! Life is not easy, and it will never be, but it is all going to be worth it when you achieve your goals.

I am grateful to WorkBC Centre Newton to help me find an employment opportunity and help me with all my requirements to start this job. The staff has been very supportive and I look forward to start my new life here.

My name is Keona, and I came to WorkBC after being unemployed for over one year. During this time, I suffered abuse and lost contact with my parents resulting in symptoms of anxiety and depression. I had low self-esteem, felt very uncomfortable around people, and couldn’t go a day without crying. I felt very lost and unsure of where to seek employment.

"I was on the verge of losing my hopes when a friend of mine suggested contacting WorkBC Surrey-Newton for employment services. So, I booked an appointment and on the very first day, I got to see my employment counsellor, who guided me on how I should proceed with a detailed action plan and also explained the wage subsidy program offered by WorkBC... WorkBC’s wage subsidy program helped me land my job in the company, as this program not only supports the employees but also helps employers by providing some financial assistance, while the employer provides the training to the employee."

"Work BC was able to assist me with the financial element of attending school. WorkBC not only supported me with the tuition fee, books, and supplies needed to be successful in my studies, but the biggest support was the child care and living support once my EI ran out. I was supported with that throughout my training. The financial support gave me peace of mind to concentrate on my studies and fulfill my goal to become a Registered Nurse."

"The support, hard work and efforts of WorkBC’s team paid off and I got a full-time permanent position as a Dental Receptionist. Today I am earning really good and doing well for myself and my family. WorkBC not only helped in my training which I did at no cost, the moral support you get from the amazing team is also commendable."