Employment Readiness Services

WorkBC Employment Readiness offers specialized services to people who face complex barriers to employment, to help them connect with their communities, develop job skills, and increase employability.

This outreach-based service supports both adults and youth who are facing multiple, complex barriers such as housing instability, substance use, disability, trauma and/or mental health issues. (See the Service Framework)

Employment Readiness supports an expanded future WorkBC system, offering more service options and pathways for people's different needs. The other components will include WorkBC Centres and Self-Service Online.

Employment Readiness Components

Community-based Employment Services
A key foundation of Employment Readiness is Community-based Employment Services, currently available in Vancouver, Surrey, Victoria, Nanaimo, Prince George and Kelowna and expanding to an additional 16 locations in Spring 2026.

This program offers adults, aged 18 and over, a range of services to support skill development and job readiness. It also connects them to community resources to address housing, financial, family or safety needs.

Youth Programming
Through Foundry Work and Education, youth facing complex barriers to employment have access to holistic wrap-around supports to help them pursue their educational and employment goals.

Community Programming Investments
Additional, on-going community-based investments support a broader reach into B.C. communities, helping a wide variety of people facing barriers to become more job ready. This variety of programming continues to inform improvements for future service delivery.