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."

"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!"