Career Advice » Career Advice Articles » Career Planning » Employment Resource Centres: access help with your job search
Have you accessed your local Employment Resource Centre for help with your job search? If you’re looking for work or need help managing your career, your local Employment Resource Centre can help.
Employment Resource Centres are funded by Service Canada, a department of the Government of Canada. Their services are free to individuals who are unemployed or working less than 20 hours per week. If you are looking for a job, are in career transition, or are considering starting your own business or going back to school, the staff at a local Employment Resource Centre can help.
Meeting with an employment counsellor
On your first visit to an Employment Resource Centre you will meet with an employment counselor who will get to know your particular situation and needs. They will have a wealth of resources at their disposal and may also talk with you about services and programs available in your community.
Accessing services and programs
Here are some of the services and programs you may be able to access:
• Career decision making: These programs can help you target a different career or explore your career options.
• Job search: Guidance and support in developing your resume and cover letter, researching target companies, and preparing for interviews.
• Targeted wage subsidy: Designed for those who need work experience, it offers temporary wage subsidies to employers. Participants must meet suitability and eligibility requirements.
• Self employment: These programs provide financial and business support to participants starting their own businesses. Must meet suitability and eligibility requirements.
• Skills development: This initiative helps unemployed people who need to upgrade or learn new skills for employment. Funding may be available through Service Canada for necessary work training. Must meet suitability and eligibility requirements.
In addition to the counselling and support you will receive, there are also drop-in Employment Resource Centres you can use at your convenience to work on your job search. Each drop-in centre may be set up differently, but most offer job search resources, computer/Internet access, photocopiers, telephone, and fax services, labour market information and job postings.
To find the Employment Resource Centre closest to you, go to www.lmer.ca and look under Case Management Services. There are specialized services available for youth, immigrants, aboriginals, French speakers, and people with disabilities. You can also call us at 604-298-4757 and we will be happy to help you.
Heather Keeping is a Learning and Employment Strategist at the Burnaby Employment Resource Centre, which is operated by Training Innovations. Heather has several years of experience in the career management field, including marketing and community liaison, job search planning, and labour market research. Training Innovations delivers a full spectrum of career management and professional development services, including the operation of the Burnaby Employment Resource Centre
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