Success Stories

Deanna's Story: The Power of Support

After three months of unemployment, Deanna struggled to navigate many job sites, submitting applications with little hope of hearing back. Each day brought more frustration, and she questioned whether her resume was effective since she never received any feedback after submitting it. When she felt stuck, a friend suggested contacting a WorkBC Centre. This moment became a turning point for Deanna. The WorkBC staff helped her refine her resume and equipped her with valuable tools to enhance her job search. Their guidance gave her the encouragement she desperately needed, as they regularly checked in on her progress and offered uplifting advice. With renewed confidence, Deanna eagerly participated in courses offered by WorkBC, which further prepared her for the job market. Her hard work paid off, and she is now proud to say she is employed full-time at a school district. Deanna's success story highlights the impact of community support and the importance of seeking help when facing challenges.

J’s Story: Finding his Voice with WorkBC

J felt like this current role could have been more fulfilling, and he tried to search for a different position. Looking for other jobs needed to be more sustainable. J knew he needed support and decided to try WorkBC Centre Westshore and Sooke as he had heard many positive things about the centres and staff. “Before I came to WorkBC, I felt like my voice was not being heard and my needs were not being met at work,” J stated. After receiving support from WorkBC Centre, J began to feel a renewed sense of purpose. With the help of his Employment Advisor, he refined his resume and crafted a solid cover letter that more effectively highlighted his skills and experiences. Additionally, meeting with his Employment Advisor allowed him to explore his career options and carve out his path. J is deeply grateful for the unwavering support he received from the WorkBC Centre staff. Their guidance and assistance have been invaluable to him. Since working with WorkBC Centre Langford and Sooke, he has not only enhanced his job search skills but also gained the confidence he needed for his job search journey.

Jonathan's Journey to a Fulfilling Career: A Story of Perseverance

Starting the Journey

Finding employment can be a challenging process, especially after the many changes in the labour market in recent years. For Jonathan, he found it difficult to find sustainable work after recovering from a work-related injury and dealing with the impact of the pandemic. He faced many barriers due to his disabilities and was seeking long-term employment that would allow him to utilize his skills in a different industry. Recognizing that he needed assistance, Jonathan turned to the WorkBC Centre Westshore. "Being right around the corner in my neighbourhood and having some familiarity with WorkBC Centre staff and services, it was an easy decision to utilize this employment resource," said Jonathan.

How WorkBC Helped

At WorkBC Centre Westshore, Jonathan found support that was instrumental in his journey. He was able to meet with an Employment Advisor who helped him create a return-to-work plan and identify his career path. Additionally, he participated in various employment workshops to update his resume and cover letter and improve his interview skills. He also accessed short-term training certificates and financial support to start a new job. Jonathan stated, "I was able to assess my most valuable skills, determine the best position to utilize my abilities while considering certain disabilities, and then fulfill the job requirements."

Jonathan's new Career

With the support of his Employment Advisor and a new perspective on his job search journey, Jonathan now works as a school bus driver for the local school district and as a noon-hour monitor at a local elementary school. These roles complement his previous experience and qualifications as a class 2 professional. "Being prepared to follow through and succeed no matter how long or the costs involved were also part of the equation. So, with the valuable financial, administrative and friendly advice from the WorkBC staff and my efforts, I am proud to say that I now have what (for me) may be my dream job," Jonathan said.

Advice for Others

Jonathan's advice is clear and empowering. "Go for the best and give your best when finding a new career or reinventing an old one," Jonathan emphasized. Throughout his career journey, Jonathan has been inspired by a quote from Picasso, "A horse won't go through the shafts on its own accord, but a man must go to work." This quote reflects his belief in the importance of taking action and putting in the effort to accomplish tasks. Jonathan's story serves as a testament to the power of resilience and determination in overcoming challenges, and it serves as an inspiration for others who may be facing similar obstacles in their job search journey.