A Conversation with Work BC's Katherine Allen

Katherine Allen is the site supervisor at the Ashcroft Work BC. She sits down with journalist Gareth Smart. They talk about what Work BC is currently up to, how they help people, what types of services that Work BC provides including: Job Creation Programs, Self Serve Services, Job Search and Job Start Supports and much more.

One of the programs WorkBC offers is the JCP or "Job Creation Partnership". The HUB Online Network started out as a JCP program, the partnership works like this: Job Creation Partnership (JCP) support funding to organizations and provides community benefit while creating jobs to assist unemployed EI eligible clients with opportunities to gain meaningful work experience. Projects benefit the job seeker, community and the local economy. However, the primary focus must be on helping the job seeker.

WorkBC is the areas main hub for job postings, and support for people that are looking for work. Their resources and specialties include: resume creation, a set of computers for people to send emails, you can get extra certificates like first aid, food safe, and class one license training which give you the skills to drive a bigger vehicle, like a semi truck. Also if you need to upgrade to get your diploma... WorkBC does that as well. They can even set you up with university courses as long as you can prove that there are jobs in that career path.

Once you find a job WorkBC stays with you for up a year as a support. You can also get vouchers for work boots, gas cards, and other necessities, to help you get on your feet while you start a new job.

WorkBC also partners with businesses and pays half a workers wage for a period of time. They have access to councilors and addiction services. WorkBC is not part of the government, although they heavily subsidized by the Government of BC.