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."

"After completing my training, the doors of success opened up for me and I started working as a Client Service Navigator immediately. I am successfully employed and applying my knowledge and skills from the training on a daily basis. At work, I help people coming from diverse backgrounds like Francophones, refugees, immigrants, youth, people with disabilities, and multi barriers."

"I wanted to work with immigrants and help new people settle down. However, my previous work experience and lack of any Canadian qualifications did not allow me to find such a job.  With the PBLMT course, I got an opportunity to actually work as a Settlement Worker. During my practicum, I helped new immigrants to settle down who are new to our country. It felt really great helping newcomers since I too was once in the same boat."

"Due to lack of Canadian certification and instability at my previous jobs in Canada, my self-confidence was very low and I was confused and badly in need of skills that were required for jobs at that time. I decided to shift my career and decided to opt for a health career assistant course. My counsellor helped me choose the best course that aligned with my interests."

"Driving is something that has interested me the most therefore after moving to Surrey I started searching for driving jobs. I found out about the new changes to Class 1 driving and the introduction of the MELT Program. I had saved enough money to pay for the entire tuition but I was disappointed to learn that the tuition fee had doubled for the new program. I decided to go and see if there was some support, I could avail of. With the help of my counsellor, I applied for my skills training funds and luckily got the approval for my grant! I got the training, I got the job, and I built my career!"

"I felt that I was stepping into unfamiliar territory and needed help with job search skills. Together with the Job Coach’s assistance, I looked at employer websites and company profiles. To build my confidence for job interviews, the Job Coach prepared a framework for marketing my strengths and helped me practice my introduction statements. I found employment as an accounting clerk in an accounting firm that is supportive and recognizes my potential while acknowledging the fact that I am new in the field."

"My main goal was to have a diploma or Canadian certification so that it would be easier for me to get into the labour market. Upon my registration with WorkBC, I was connected with my employment counsellor who guided me throughout my journey and steered me in the right direction."

"I was unable to find work due to a lack of Canadian experience and my physical disability. After struggling for a long time to find work, I finally got myself registered with WorkBC Surrey-Newton, and I am happy to say that it was one of the best decisions I ever made!"

"I was looking for work for a very long time but due to my disability, I was unable to find any suitable job. I then registered for WorkBC Surrey Newton's services where I met my vocational counsellor, Komal, who helped and guided me through the process. It was very encouraging for me to be at a workplace. It boosted my confidence and self-esteem."

"Throughout my time at WorkBC, my counsellor remained in contact, encouraging me to never give up. I got the training, I got the job, and I got my confidence back. I did my best and WorkBC did the rest!"

"After working more than ten years in the food industry, the pizza store was closing its doors forever. Although I found this industry interesting, fast-paced, and lucrative my awareness of other careers was limited. I was able to discover a new career for myself and completed a one-year diploma in Early Childhood Education, all funded by WorkBC. I hope my story can inspire someone else to reach their career goal and use the resources available at WorkBC."

"I heard great reviews about Surrey Newton WorkBC from some other immigrants I befriended in my job search process, who mentioned the constant support offered and how the team here goes out of its way to help their clients find a job that is suitable for them. I am so glad I made my choice and decided to come here. Within no time, I found employment with Canada Revenue Agency."

"My chances to get a suitable position in academia (UBC) dwindled due to COVID, as there were hiring freezes. At that stage, I contacted WorkBC for help in finding a job. At WorkBC, the staff continued to encourage and motivate me to pursue my career reminding me not to give up. They referred me to the ACCEP program, which confirmed my eligibility for wage subsidy through a letter of support for employers; this immensely increased my chances of getting a job."