Starting April 1, Powell River’s employment services centre, Career Link, has a new name as it transitions from the Employment Program of BC to WorkBC Employment Services, as it is now known.
“For clients coming in day to day it won’t be that different,” said manager Brodie D’Angio. “It’s still the same staff, people behind the scenes and at the front desk doing the work.”
There will, however, be some changes to existing programs and the introduction of new ones.
“Beginning April 1, 2019, WorkBC will offer better services for people who need support to re-enter the workforce, access training opportunities and find good jobs,” stated a WorkBC media release.
Some of these changes include expanded eligibility for specialized WorkBC services for those who have paid into employment insurance (EI) for five of the last 10 years.
“EI eligibility, which has you eligible for services like self-employment, skills training and wage subsidy, in this new world it includes people who have earned at least $2,000 of EI insurable income in five of the last 10 years non-consecutive,” said D’Angio. “We’re definitely seeing an increase in eligibility due to that.”
Another change includes a job sustainment plan to help people who have obtained steady work to maintain it.
“Job sustainment essentially gives us the ability to support clients up to a year after they find employment,” added D’Angio. “If they’re having challenges in their employment, that’s somebody in their corner to support them.”
D’Angio said he encourages those interested to visit the centre and speak with someone at WorkBC to learn more.
“People should come by and have a conversation and see if they’re eligible,” he added.
Other changes include updated operating hours. The centre will now be open Monday and Tuesday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, 8:30 am to 7:30 pm on Wednesdays, and 8:30 am to 1:30 pm on Thursdays.
The centre at 4511 Marine Avenue will be closed Friday through Sunday.
For more information, contact WorkBC Employment Service by calling 604.485.7958 or emailing yourteam@careerlinkbc.com.
