Occupational Skills Training 

WorkBC’s Occupational Skills training offers eligible clients the opportunity to enroll in post-secondary programs across diverse industries. The process for skills training starts by working with an Employment Consultant, where you can identify your strengths and areas for support to create a plan for long-term employment.

If you are successful in the application process, WorkBC has a range of services designed to ensure a successful pathway to sustainable employment once your program has been completed. This can include counselling, living supports, ongoing employment coaching, childcare, and transportation. By addressing these areas and offering customized and inclusive support, WorkBC aids individuals in transitioning to meaningful and lasting careers, helping them succeed in their chosen fields.

Some of the eligibility requirements for Skills Training include:

• You are residing in the Parksville/Qualicum Beach area
• You are legally permitted to work in Canada
• You are unemployed or under-employed
• You are actively collaborating with an Employment Consultant
• You have not commenced your training program

If you have questions, please contact our office for more information about Occupational Skills Training: 250.248.3205.

Tell us about your business/organization and what makes you stand out as an employer?

Waypoint stands out as an employer because we value culture and emphasize employee growth. While the company is growing quickly, we make it a point of importance to ensure our employees feel heard and taken care of. We believe in promoting from within so whenever we can, we work diligently to support our employees in developing the right set of skills to succeed in their current role and future roles.

How many employees do you have?

Roughly 800 employees in 24 offices across Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.

What do you look for in a new employee?

When hiring new employees, we’re focused on finding the right culture fit above all else. What that means to Waypoint is finding someone who is eager to learn and grow with an organization. Someone who is ambitious and excited to create something great in the workplace.

What advice would you give someone who wants to work for your organization?

Be ready to work hard and have fun with a fabulous group of people!

Do you anticipate hiring in the next 6 months? If so, for what types of positions?

We are always hiring! We’ll be looking to hire for the following roles:

• Advisor, Auto Insurance
• Advisor, Personal Insurance

What is the best way for someone to apply if they are interested in working for your organization?

The best way to apply is through the Waypoint Careers page or through our careers email – careers@waypoint.ca as well as Indeed and LinkedIn

Tell us about your business/organization and what makes you stand out as an employer?

We pride ourselves on providing quality services and products to our customers. We embrace diversity and inclusion, and we’re working to create a workplace that is as diverse as the communities we serve. We offer competitive wages and a comprehensive total compensation package, career growth, education and paid volunteer opportunities, and much more!

How many employees do you have?

Roughly 350 employees

What do you look for in a new employee?

Personable, proactive, pleasant, exemplary customer service, and community-minded.

What advice would you give someone who wants to work for your organization?

Come see us in person! We value great customer service skills, a sense of pride in the work you do and a drive to develop with us as an organization. We want you to grow with us!

Do you anticipate hiring in the next 6 months? If so, for what types of positions?

Yes! Mostly Customer Service Representative positions in both our Energy and Liquor divisions. A few Customer Service Supervisor positions on the liquor side are available or will be coming up as well.

What is the best way for someone to apply if they are interested in working for your organization?

In person at your desired location, we want to meet you!

How the WorkBC Wage Subsidy Program may help you land your next job

Sometimes, when we are looking for work, we find ourselves in a dilemma: we can’t get a job because we lack experience, and we can’t gain experience without a job.  If this sounds familiar, the WorkBC Wage Subsidy program might be a solution for you.

The Wage Subsidy program can help job seekers connect with employers who are willing to hire them and provide on-the-job training, supervision, and coaching. Eligible employers receive a reimbursement for a portion of the wages they pay. This financial incentive helps offset the cost of training while an individual builds their skills.

You may be eligible for the program if you are unemployed (or working very few hours each week).  It is not necessary to be receiving Employment Insurance or Income Assistance to qualify; all unemployed residents of British Columbia can access services and support from an Employment Consultant. An Employment Consultant will assess your skills and experience against the local job market and skills requirements, and review your recent job search activities to determine if the Wage Subsidy program is a good fit for you.

Some scenarios where the Wage Subsidy program could be suitable are:

• You have some relevant work experience, but it is outdated or from a different region or industry.
• Your previous occupation is no longer in demand, requiring a career change.
• You recently completed a related educational program but lack practical experience.
• You are returning to the workforce following an injury/health situation which has impacted your ability to work

The above is not a complete list of examples and each person’s situation is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Generally speaking, employers’ eligible for the program include businesses and non-profits that operate in BC, demonstrate appropriate insurance and WorkSafeBC coverage is in place, and are committed to providing fulsome on the job training with supervision. (Government bodies and agencies, such as BC Ferries, Island Health, RCMP, Municipalities, etc. are not eligible for the funding.)  Our staff is also available to support our local employers with each step of the wage subsidy application and claim submission process.

If you would like more information and are already working with an Employment Consultant, please ask about the Wage Subsidy program during your next appointment. If you are not yet connected with WorkBC, call 250.248.3205 to inquire about registering for services.