Thompson-Okanagan
The British Columbia Labour Market Outlook estimates 77 percent of all job openings in the next 10 years will require post-secondary education, specialized training, or demonstrated leadership experience. The Thompson-Okanagan region is expected to have 110,500 job openings over the next decade.
The programs outlined below aim to assist individuals facing multiple barriers in gaining the skills needed to participate in the labour market, secure sustainable employment, or move on to further education or training that can benefit their lives.
75 percent of participants were employed at program exit and 20 percent were pursuing further education, for a total positive outcome of 95 percent.
Accounting & Payroll Certificate for Multi-Barriered Persons Training Project
This certificate program offers participants customized training, a job practicum, job search support and follow up services. It takes place both in person and online over 23 weeks.
Training locations:
- Virtual
Contact:
Insignia College or 778-695-7030
Acquiring Community-based Employment Skills (ACES)
Acquiring Community-based Employment Skills (ACES) provides certificate-based training, employment readiness workshops and job placements and support. It is offered in person and online, with group learning and individualized training plans.
Training locations:
- Armstrong
- Barriere
- Cache Creek
- Kelowna
- Logan Lake
- Merritt
- Oliver
- Penticton
- Princeton
- Salmon Arm
Contact:
Connective, email or 604-872-5471
Computer Skills for the Office Short Certificate Program for Immigrant and Racialized Women
This 34-week online Computer Skills for the Office Short Certificate Program for Immigrant and Racialized Women focuses on comprehensive skills and pre-employment training for entry or transition to office administrative positions.
Training locations:
- Virtual
Contact:
Langara College, email or 604-218-8206
Future Health Professionals
This program provides participants with coursework and practicum training to obtain certification or diploma in health professions, including health care assistant-acute care (HCA), medical office assistant and early childhood education assistant (ECEA).
Training locations:
- Across Thompson-Okanagan region
Contact:
Western Community College
Green Energy Trades Training Program
This 10-week hybrid training program provides participants with an industry recognized credential and the foundational knowledge and skills required to work in the green energy industry. It includes an on-the-job practicum, job search support and follow-up services.
Training locations:
- Kamloops
- Kelowna
- Merritt
- Vernon
Contact:
ACE Community College, email or 604-603-ACE1 (2231)
Jobs in Demand: Industry Skills Training Employment Program for Multi-Barrier Individuals
Jobs in Demand is a hybrid, interactive group-based skills training program run over six to eight weeks that equips individuals for employment in office administration, social services, and skilled trades. It includes group workshops, online modules and employment supports.
Training locations:
- Kamloops
- Kelowna
Contact:
Open Door Group
Next Gen: Matrix 2.0 Employment Experience
Provides at-risk young adults with employment readiness skills, occupational skills, one-on-one coaching and case management services for employment in the mining, manufacturing and service sectors.
Training locations:
- Princeton
Contact:
Princeton and District Skills Centre Society, email or 250-295-4051
Securit
Securit prepares individuals over the course of 12 weeks for a wide range of entry level positions in the security industry. It also provides supports as required for childcare, accommodations and mental and emotional health.
Training locations:
- Kamloops
- Kelowna
Contact:
Canadian Vocational Training Centre, email or 1-888-348-2207 or 1-250-596-1575
Wildland Firefighting and Silviculture Training (WFST)
The eight-week program introduces participants to a variety of possible career paths in the natural resource sector through a combination of classroom and hands-on instruction. Covering 16 valuable industry certifications, participants will gain the skills, support and connections to launch a career in wildland firefighting, or other field-based forestry roles.
Training locations:
- Kamloops
Contact:
Stillwater Consulting Ltd, email
Youth at Risk Gateway to Trades Sampler
Allows participants to explore careers in Carpentry, Electrical, Heavy Mechanical, Plumbing and Piping, Sheet Metal and Welding, including practical skills training and employment certifications.
Training locations:
- Kelowna
Contact:
Okanagan College, email or 250-862-5457
This project is funded by the Government of B.C. through the Future Ready Action Plan and the Government of Canada.
