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Employment Services in BC

We support individuals in achieving personal success through meaningful employment and community connections.

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      • Explore Our Free Employment & Training Services

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        Looking for a job or support to reach your career goals? We are here to help — with free, easy-to-access services tailored to your needs.

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          Choose the Right Career Path

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          Not sure what job or career is right for you? We will help you explore your interests, strengths, and skills to build a career plan that fits your goals.

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          Employment Assessments

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          We offer different assessments to help you learn more about your strengths and what kind of support you might need at work. These may include:

          • Physical or psychological assessments
          • Help understanding your foreign credentials
          • Workplace needs assessments
          • This helps us and you make better choices about your next steps.
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          Building Your Skills

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          We offer two types of skill-building services:

          • Formal Training: Get help to take certified courses or training programs.
          • Workshops: Learn important life and job skills, like resume writing, budgeting, computer use, communication, and interview tips.
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          Self-Employment Service

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          If starting your own business is your goal, we provide support through every stage - from developing your business idea to writing a business plan and getting your business up and running.

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          Job Search Support

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          Looking for work can feel overwhelming — but you’re not alone. We offer:

          • One-on-one job search coaching
          • Access to a job-matching database
          • Employer connections
          • Customized job placement and accommodations tailored to your strengths
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          Gain Work Experience

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          If you have the skills but lack hands-on experience, we can connect you with employers offering on-the-job training.

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          Keep Your Job

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          We will support you as you start work — helping with onboarding, training, job-specific gear, and workplace accommodations. Our goal is to set you and your employer up for long-term success.

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          Get Connected to Community Supports

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          If you are experiencing personal challenges related to housing, finances, or mental health, we can connect you with trusted local services for support.

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          Customized Employment Services

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          We support individuals with disabilities through a person-centered approach that builds on their strengths and abilities. Using tools like Discovery assessments, visual resumes, and representational portfolios, this service creates tailored job opportunities that connect individual talents with employer needs.

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      • Who Services are for:

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        Our free employment services are here to support people in British Columbia who are looking for work or wanting to improve their work situation. You may qualify if you:

        • Live in B.C.
        • Can show ID verification documents (such as driver license, BC service cards, passport, etc.)
        • Are legally allowed to work in B.C.
        • Are currently looking for work
        • Are unemployed or precariously employed (in an unstable job situation)

         

        What does « unemployed » mean?

        You may be considered unemployed if:

        • You’re not working right now and not connected to an employer
        • You work fewer than 20 hours a week and are looking for full- time work
        • You’ve been told your job will end soon (usually within 6 weeks)
        • You have to leave your current job for a medical reason
        • You have a disability, work 20+ hours a week, but need more hours or support to stay employed
        • You’re a student with a disability or a youth at risk in your final year of high school or post-secondary

        What does « precariously employed » mean?

        You may be considered precariously employed if you’re working, but your job is unstable or doesn’t meet your needs. For example:

        • Your hours are irregular (on-call or casual work)
        • Your pay isn’t reliable or enough to support you or your family
        • Your job might soon be replaced by technology
        • You’re working in a job that’s well below your skill level, with no room to grow
        • You have a valid reason to leave your job
    • Testimonials,

      What Our Clients are Saying

      • Thank you for helping me. The support I received gave me the confidence to strive for greatness. I have achieved goals that were impossible for me before the training., R. D (she/her), Open Door Group Jobs in Demand Program Participant
      • I am extremely grateful for the support I received from WorkBC- Kamloops center in finding employment. The team is always approachable, professional, and committed to meeting clients where they are with honesty and clarity. Their guidance and encouragement helped me navigate challenges and regain confidence in my job search. I felt supported without my disabilities being seen as a barrier, and I was given a safe space to express concerns without judgment., E.M (she/her), Client at WorkBC center- Kamloops Thompson
    • Stats,

      • Our Impact

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          50+ years

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          experience providing employment services

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          1155

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          people found employment through Open Door Group in 2023-2024

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          700+

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          people obtained certifications and completed specialized skills training programs that will allow them to find and sustain employment in 2024.

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          92%

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          of clients said they would recommend our services to their friends or family (Data from 2024 Open Door Group Client Survey)

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          548

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          people accessed the Thrive program in 2024 to build skills and work toward personal goals (Data from 2024 Thrive Client Survey)

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          29,215 lbs

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          of produce harvested by Gardengate participants in 2024

    • Feedback,

      We Want to Hear from You

      At Open Door Group, we are dedicated to providing every customer with a high standard of quality and care throughout their journey with us. Your experience matters, and we genuinely want to hear from you. We invite you to share your feedback, whether it's positive or negative. We appreciate your trust in our services and commit to utilizing your feedback to enhance the quality of our services!

      Give us Your Feedback

    • Contact,

      Have Questions? Contact Us!


      Book an appointment

    • Funders,

      Funder’s Acknowledgement

      These services are made possible through the generous support of our funders. We gratefully acknowledge the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, the Vancouver Foundation, the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities through the Government of Canada, Vancouver Coastal Health, Interior Health Authority, and Community Living BC. Their ongoing commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and community well-being enables us to continue delivering meaningful support and opportunities to individuals across Canada.