Employment and Skills Development

Get Connected 

The Get Connected program at the Vancouver Public Library helps individuals connect one-on-one with a social worker for support with housing, record suspensions, employment, referrals to community services, and more!

The program is in partnership with Connective.

Dates and Times: Thursdays from 1 pm - 3 pm
Location: Mount Pleasant Branch, 1 Kingsway, Vancouver

SEED (Skills, Esteem and Employment Development) Program
The Kettle Society offers an employment program for people with mental health challenges. The program aims to provide support and low-barrier employment placements within The Kettle Society to help participants develop the skills, confidence, and stamina needed to move from unemployment to stable employment.

Details: 
  • Positions can be permanent, depending on the participant's goals
  • 1-10 hours per week
  • Flexible shifts
  • Support is available whenever needed

Current available positions include:
  • Janitorial and seasonal yardwork
  • Kitchen staff
  • Customer service
  • Neighbourhood street cleaning
  • Program facilitation 

Program Hours:
Monday - Thursday, 9:30 am - 5 pm
*Closed from 12 pm - 1 pm each weekday*
Location: 1725 Venables Street, Vancouver
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604-251-1126

WorkBC Employment and Training Services

WorkBC team members provide assistance to help individuals find and maintain employment. Whether you are a parent, youth, teacher, career and employment counsellor, human resources professional, researcher or decision-maker, WorkBC’s tools, resources and services can benefit you. The program is in collaboration with the Open Door Group. 

Services and resources include:
  • Job search services and resources
  • Skills enhancement
  • Work experience placements (wage subsidy)
  • Personal employment planning
  • Self-employment

Who is the Program For?
  • Individuals must be legally entitled to work in BC
  • Individuals who are unemployed, have a disability, and/or are currently employed with irregular hours/unreliable pay
  • Currently unable to meet their financial needs 
  • Meetings can be in-person, by phone, or virtual

Phone: 604-334-6372 

Plan Institute - ​Workshops and Publications​
The Disability Education and Resource Centre (DERC) provides educational programs and resources for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Programs and Resources Offered:
  • Workshops and Courses
  • Support networks 
  • Books
  • Online tools
    ​
The programs are designed to help individuals prepare for living with a disability and to support their loved ones. They are tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities, as well as their families and organizations.

The DERC's workshops cover a range of topics that are relevant to individuals with disabilities and their families. These topics include:
  • Wills, Trusts, and Estate planning
  • Personal support network facilitation (RDSP)
  • Retreats for caregivers to learn new skills and connect with others 

Whether you're an individual with a disability, a family member, or a caregiver, the DERC has programs and resources to help you prepare for and navigate the challenges that come with living with a disability.

Reception: 604-439-9566 
Helpline: 1-844-311-7526
Email: [email protected]a

Vancouver Public Library Workshops

The Vancouver Public Library provides a wide range of employment and skill development workshops. 

These workshops and resources include:
  • Employment resources for skilled immigrants, including workshops on the Canadian workplace culture, assistance for skilled healthcare workers, and more.
​
  • Vancouver Career Fair: A networking event and opportunity to discover organizations that are hiring in Vancouver. Information on volunteer opportunities is also available. Held in-person at the Central Library Branch. 
 
  • Drop-in Resume Clinic: Get help with writing a professional and effective resume, meet with staff from S.U.C.C.E.S.S. BCSIS, and help land your next interview. Please bring your current resume. Registration is not required. 
 
  • Career and Job Search Tour: A free workshop that provides assistance with job searches, accessing the hidden job market, and more. Everyone is welcome to attend. Sessions are currently held via Zoom.
​
  • Networking and Interview Prep: Learn effective interview skills, practice for your interview, and discover practical networking strategies. Sessions are available via Zoom and in-person.
​
  • Small Business Tour: Information sessions on starting and running a small business. 
​​
  • And many more!​​

Cost: A free library card is required to access these resources
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604-331-3603

Skills Development - DTES Women's Centre

The Skills Development program helps women develop skills for overall life improvement and paid employment. Training includes areas such as life-skills development, health and safety, and certification programs such as first aid and food safety. The program is founded on the principles of self-help, peer support, and community building.

​Opportunities include:
  • Customer service, including roles in retail and reception 
  • Food Prep & Food Service
  • Shelter Support Worker
  • Street Market Vendor
  • Workshop Facilitator
  • Participation on committees
    ​
​Eligibility:
  • Women living in the Downtown Eastside who are in need of assistance
​Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604-681-8480

YMCA BC Employment Services
Get the knowledge and skills from trusted experts to find a job, learn a new skill or make Canada your new home. YMCA BC has established trusted, working relationships with a range of employers in the business community.

Programs for Adults:
  • Self-Employment Programs:
    • ​Including a program for newcomers
    • Guides individuals on creating a business plan and launching a business
    • Group workshops and private coaching
    • Develop a business-related skill set
  • Child Care Career Exploration:
    • Explore the career path and get started on certifications
  • YCafe Training Program: 
    • 12 weeks of hands-on training
    • Weekly living allowance during the program
    • Individual coaching
    • Free relevant certifications

Youth Programs (ages 15 - 30):
  • Youth Employment Bootcamp:
    • Network, update your resume, and learn interview tips
    • One-on-one training
    • Certifications are reimbursed
    • Living allowances available for some cases
  • Youth Breakthrough to Employment and Training:
    • Network, update your resume,  learn interview tips, and job search skills
    • Career planning resources
    • $1,000 cash bonus at completion
  • Early Childhood Education Assistant Training:
    • Certification at Vancouver Community College
    • First-aid/CPR training
    • Two practicums 
  • Connect 2 Work:
    • Skill-building workshops, one-on-one coaching, ESL supports, and more
    • Networking opportunities
  • Youth for Entrepreneurship:
    • Free workshops
    • ​Contests

Gastown Vocational Services

Gastown Vocational Services provides a range of free programs designed to assist young adults and youth with mental health disabilities to reach their employment or educational goals, including part-time or full-time work, vocational training, or volunteer work. They also collaborate with job developers to assist with marketing accessible jobs and job placements. 

Supportive Employment and Education Services:
  • Vocational or psychological assessments
  • Work readiness skill training
  • Career planning work experiences and employment counselling
  • Job shadowing opportunities and supported work experience placements to further assess their own work readiness while boosting their confidence and stamina
  • Assistance identifying realistic education programs needed for employment
  • Assistance applying for educational funding
  • Helping clients to obtain their GED, academic upgrading, and enrolling in further education

Eligibility and Application:
  • Available to Vancouver residents with mental health diagnoses who are aged 16-30 
  • Individuals receiving Vancouver Community Mental Health Services, a referral may not be necessary
  •  Individuals who are not receiving Vancouver Community Mental Services require a referral form a medical practitioner or psychiatrist
  • Designed for people who are unemployed or precariously employed and who are seeking employment 
  • Orientations and information sessions are available for more information

Email: [email protected] 
Phone: 604-675-2535
Location: 288 -2750 East Hastings St., Vancouver

Employment Programs for People with Disabilities - Neil Squire Society

NSS is an organization that uses technology, knowledge and passion to empower Canadians with disabilities. Their goal is to serve people with disabilities and their future employers, filling gaps in services and expertise until government and industry can directly pursue the benefits of a diverse society and workforce.

Programs Include:
  • Creative Employment Options:​
    • Individualized and group-based learning 
    • Career and personal development, wellness for work, and job search support
    • Ergonomic and/or assistive technology assessments and solutions
    • Potential wage subsidy
    • Continuous support
  • Computer Training Programs:
    • One-on-one and virtual training
    • Digital literacy
    • Centered around client's needs
  • Assistive Technology Programs:
    • Solutions for home, work, or school
    • Hearing solutions and assistive devices
    • Assistance with modifications

Phone: 604-473-9363
​Toll-free: 1-877-673-4636
Email: [email protected]

Work 2 Live Program - Zero Ceiling

The Work 2 Live program is a housing and employment program for young people experiencing homelessness or precarious housing.

Details:
  • Program runs 12-24 months
  • Provides secure group housing and the resources to heal, build essential skills, and transition to adulthood
  • Ongoing support with transitions to independent housing
  • Employment program provides pre-employment training, job coaching, and regular check-ins to prepare participants for job placements
  • Also offers life skills training, mental health support, case management, and outdoor recreation

Eligibility:
  • Young people aged 19-27 from the Sea to Sky Corridor, Metro Vancouver, and the Lower Mainland
  • Best suited for individuals interested in working in the hospitality industry 
  • Individuals can self-apply, but a referral from a support worker 

Phone: 604-962-5000
Email: [email protected]