September is Disability Employment Month in British Columbia, and the Career Centre is proud to highlight the invaluable contributions of individuals with disabilities in the workforce, as well as the employers and communities that champion their success. Over half a million British Columbians live with various disabilities, including physical, mental, and emotional challenges.

Individuals with disabilities may encounter barriers in the workplace such as discrimination during recruitment, insufficient disability awareness among employers, and a reluctance to provide reasonable accommodations. Employers must avoid inappropriate questions during the hiring process and should offer accommodations like accessible formats for written materials and accessible application processes. Misconceptions about employees with disabilities—such as the belief that they are less productive or more costly—are unfounded. In reality, people with disabilities represent a highly skilled but underutilized talent pool that can meet today’s workforce demands. The Job Accommodation Network reports that 57% of employees with disabilities require no additional accommodation costs, with most requests for flexible hours, job redesign, and additional training.

If you have a disability and are job hunting, you may be uncertain about whether to disclose it to a prospective employer. While you are not legally required to disclose your disability if you don’t need accommodations, it is wise to consider your strengths and barriers when applying for jobs. The “Disclosing Your Disability – A Legal Guide for People with Disabilities in BC,” produced by the Disability Alliance of BC, offers valuable insights on disclosure and accommodations, including a table outlining the pros and cons of disclosure at various stages of your job search. Remember, while employers can ask if you can meet the job requirements, they cannot legally inquire about your disability during an interview.

For employers, numerous resources are available to help assess and improve the accessibility and inclusivity of your workplace in areas such as facilities, customer service, policies, hiring practices, and communications. Understanding the principles of accessibility—dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity—is crucial. You can explore tools and guidelines here:

Accessibility HR Toolkit https://www.supportedemployment.ca/hrtoolkit/accommodations/.

Navigating employment and community involvement with a life-changing disability requires resilience and courage. By focusing on your unique strengths and the support provided by compassionate and accommodating employers, we can work together to build a more inclusive community.

Explore our workshops at the Career Centre, such as “Branding You” https://www.careercentre.org/workshops-events/.

Looking to enhance your personal resilience? Check out this useful guide and workbook From Surviving to Thriving Guide https://www.workplacestrategiesformentalhealth.com/pdf/From_Surviving_to_Thriving_EN.pdf.

 Find additional resources to help you succeed: https://www.workbc.ca/Resources-for/People-with-Disabilities.aspx.

Refining your social emotional skills can improve resilience and foster positive relationships.

Social emotional skills (SES) include attributes in five core areas: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. These skills can be adapted into various industries and relate to emotional intelligence.

SES can be helpful not just in the workplace but within family relationships, and within school & educational settings.

The key components include:

1. Self-awareness – can be defined as having insight into our own thoughts and behaviors.
2. Self-Management – can include managing emotions, and having the ability to prioritize.
3. Social awareness – is having an understanding and awareness to empathize with others including those from other backgrounds & cultures.
4. Relationship skills – interacting with others in a respectful way, building trust, and creating rapport.
5. Responsible decision making – making well-thought out ethical decisions.

Any work environment can be stressful, at times there can be conflict or challenging decisions to be made. However, one of the core concepts of improving your own SES is that it can lead to better job satisfaction through open communication, understanding, and the ability to be resilient.

If you are looking to learn more about SES, a free 1 hour online course is offered by CASL on Social Emotional Learning. Click here to learn more.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work in the trades industry?

Are you between the ages of 16-29 and are currently unemployed or underemployed?

If you answered yes, Pathway to Trades (PTT) could be just what you are looking for! This is an exciting opportunity to sample various trades in the construction industry such as electrical, carpentry, plumbing and more.

Participants will gain valuable knowledge, skills and experience by attending classroom sessions over twelve weeks. Throughout these sessions, training will be provided in soft skills, pre-employment skills, and short term occupational skills.

We are thrilled to partner with Vancouver Island University (VIU) who will deliver the trades exploration and foundational learning portion of the program. This component also includes hands on learning projects to put your new knowledge into practice, giving you the opportunity to develop your skills. As this instruction will take place right here in Parksville, participants will not have to travel to the Nanaimo VIU campus!

Additional benefits of attending this FREE local program include small group learning, the opportunity to gain employer contacts, acquire skills in networking, and participate in hands on work experience. As well as free training and certifications, learners will receive a small weekly allowance.

Hear what past participants say about this valuable program for youth: Click here to learn more.

Take a look at B.C.’s Labour Market Outlook for 2023-2033 in case you are curious about future job prospects in trades.

Have we piqued your interest yet?

Call us at 250.248.3205 and set up an appointment to determine eligibility and learn more about this unique opportunity for youth!

JOB SEARCH TIPS FOR YOUTH

Getting your first job when you’re young and eager can be a big challenge. But guess what? If you are checking out our website and what we have to offer, you’re already taking a crucial step forward. It shows you’re serious about making things happen!

We know that lots of young people struggle with the idea that “no experience means no job.” But here’s the good news: employers face a similar struggle. They’re often on the hunt for dependable folks who are willing to start at the bottom.

So, how do you break this cycle? Well, by getting involved! Start with volunteer gigs or opportunities for work experience. These aren’t just about gaining skills, they’re also about building relationships with potential employers. That way, when job openings pop up, you’ll already have your foot in the door!

Here’s a game plan:

• Work on your resume: Whether you’re creating your first one or sprucing up an existing one, there are plenty of tips and resources out there to help.
• Consider volunteering or participating in work experience: Employers are more likely to hire someone they know, so this is a great way to get noticed.
• Show employers you’re serious by taking on these roles: Once you’ve got some experience under your belt, add it to your resume and position yourself as a valuable candidate.
• Apply for positions with purpose: Instead of saying you’ll take anything, show employers what you can bring to the table. Think about what their organization aims to provide and how you can contribute to that.

Put yourself in the employer’s shoes. Think about what they’re trying to achieve and how you can help. By sharing your experiences and ideas, you’ll show them why you’re the perfect fit for the job!

Here are some helpful links to help you get started on your Job Search:

Career Centre Job Board

Interview Tips from WorkBC

Tips for Writing Resumes and Cover Letters

Explore Training and Education

Job Bank