By Vernon Matters Staff/WorkBC

Finding work during pandemic: How WorkBC’s virtual services can help

Apr 17, 2020 | 10:44 AM

At WorkBC Vernon, staff member Leeann Wilhelm answers dozens of texts, emails, and phone calls every day from people looking for work or trying to keep jobs during the pandemic.

“I’m checking my text messages constantly,” said Wilhelm. “Or I’m reaching out and just saying, ‘How are you doing in this time of uncertainty?’”

Phone, text, and email aren’t the only virtual services WorkBC is currently offering. Job seekers are leveling up their skills in WorkBC’s newly-launched, live, online workshops, while others are attending WorkBC’s real-time Virtual Job Hubs to meet with local employers still hiring.

“The Job Hubs provide hope and encouragement that there are still jobs out there,” said facilitator Joy Magnell. The next one, set for April 29, features recruiters from Interior Health (currently hiring multiple positions) and Rogers Wireless (building a call centre in Kelowna that will eventually need more than 350 workers).

“There are so many people that have lost a little bit of hope right now. Knowing that we have employers that are still hiring gives them something to hold on to,” Magnell added. “It’s a light at the end of this long tunnel.”

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WorkBC facilitator Liana Bjerstedt shares a bit more of this light during her three-day, live, online workshop “Creating Career Possibilities”. Last week, eight job seekers met in her virtual classroom, all of them completing online skills assessments and creating vision boards to show what a happy future, in both work and life, would look like for them.

“I have to say, they were all so grateful to be able to do this from their couch,” Bjerstedt said with a laugh.

With help from these virtual supports, WorkBC job seekers continue to land and keep employment. One woman started a temporary position at Superstore just this week after her case manager, Jess Roebuck, helped her to apply and interview from home. It has only been a few days, but she’s already moved up to a permanent part-time position because of the demand and her hard work.

“She’s excited,” says Roebuck. “It’s a great opportunity for her. It puts more money in her pocket while attempting new skills.”

For others looking for work who may not need workshops or case management, WorkBC Vernon is also gearing up to launch its all-new Virtual Resource Centre. There, job seekers can sign up and pop in much like they did at the physical WorkBC building.

“The Virtual Resource Centre is trying to recreate the experience a person would have coming through our front doors, but in an online platform,” said Kazia Mullin, who is coordinating the initiative. “They can connect face-to-face virtually with a Job Search Advisor, they can browse an online job board, they can get help updating their resume, and anything else they may need for a self-directed job search with a dash of support,” Mullin said.

Apply for WorkBC Services any time by calling 250-545-2215 x 230 or check out all of their services online at www.workbccentre-vernon.ca

by Vernon Matters Staff/WorkBC

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