Operational hours for the holiday season:

  • Dec. 23 (Mon) - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Dec. 24 (Tues) - 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Dec. 25 - 26 (Wed and Thurs) - CLOSED 
  • Dec. 27 (Fri) -  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Dec. 28 (Sat) - 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • Dec. 29 (Sun) - CLOSED
  • Dec. 30 - 31 (Mon and Tues) - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Jan. 1 (Wed) - CLOSED
  • Jan. 2 (Thurs) - 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Jan. 3 (Fri) - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Jan. 4 (Sat) - 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  

Finding Support and Success: Juliu’s Journey to Employment

Posted at:
Health Care

When a friend first mentioned WorkBC to me, I asked, “What is WorkBC all about?” I had never heard of it before.

 

I’m a newcomer to Canada, having arrived on December 9, 2021. Things have not been easy for me, and I have faced many difficulties and ups and downs. On September 10, 2023, I started the Health Care Assistant (HCA) program and finished on April 1, 2024. After obtaining my Registry Number as a Care-Aide, I began applying for jobs. However, it was not easy.

One day, while visiting a friend, I mentioned that I had not received any updates after nearly three weeks of sending my resume to different facilities. My friend suggested, "You know, I think the best way is for you to go to WorkBC." I had many questions about WorkBC, and he simply responded, "Just go to WorkBC; they will help you, assist you, and guide you in finding possible employment. They can help with everything from formulating your resume to printing and using computers." It sounded interesting, and I was motivated to visit the nearest WorkBC office.

Upon entering WorkBC Centre Newton, I felt a positive vibe, and everything proceeded smoothly. They scheduled me for employment counseling, but I had to wait almost a month for the appointment. I thought, “Oh no, I really need to find a job as soon as possible.”

While waiting for my appointment, I got hired by one of the facilities I had applied to as a Health Care Assistant. I wondered if I still needed to attend my WorkBC appointment since I was already hired. However, I decided to go on the scheduled date and informed the Senior Employment Counselor that 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!

Here are my realizations:

  1. If you need help, reach out to government agencies. They will help you realize your goals.
  2. Be cooperative and patient with the documentation process to ensure everything is formal and in order.
  3. Always keep them updated on your current employment status.

Thank you, WorkBC Centre Newton, for a job well done, and to the government of Canada for having this agency as a tool to assist those in need like me.

WorkBC

WorkBC is the provincial government's access point to the world of work in British Columbia. It was created with one key goal — to help all British Columbians to successfully navigate B.C.'s labour market.