Your future begins at Ashland Training Centre

Employment Services - ( available at Castlegar location )

Employment Services

The Employment Resource Centre provides seamless, client-centred programming assist clients to find the quickest route to employment. Programming encourages individual responsibility, facilitates the participant’s access to community resources and is flexible to the needs of each individual.

All citizens who are legally entitled to work (or live) in Canada are eligible to participate for all programs except as noted.

Initial Interview

An individual interview with an employment counsellor that assists clients in their transition to work through the formulation of a "return-to-work" action plan. The "RWAP" takes into account four employability dimensions (career decision making, skills enhancement, job search and employment maintenance) and focuses on the utilization of existing employment programs and services in the community.

Resource Centre

Access to our resource library, job board and computer kiosks with Internet access for job search activities on a self-service basis.

Open Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (closed between 12:00 and 1:00 pm)

In-Depth Counselling

An individualized exploration of issues and barriers identified in the Initial Interview. Duration is approximately 6 weeks. The focus is on personal management and employment maintenance skills.

Job Search Centre

Registration Required

The Job Search Centre will provide individuals with the following job search resources:

Resume Writing

Participants develop a resume or update a current resume

Cover Letters

Participants develop their own job specific cover letter

On Line Job Search

Use the Internet and the On Line Job Search Guide in preparing for a work search, using self-marketing strategies and tools, accessing the electronic employment database services, emailing and posting resumes on the Internet.

Interview Skills

Accessing the On Line Interview Centre to discover, rehearse and review the necessary interview skills required to help secure a job. One-on-one and mock/video interviews can be booked with a counsellor

A counsellor will be available to assist individuals as needed.

Training & Negotiated Financial Assistance

An ongoing program (group session) providing attendees with information, requirements and eligibility criteria to apply for Training and Negotiated Financial Assistance. Eligible applicants are required to develop a "back-to-work" action plan that details personal needs, career research and labour market information related to their career goal.
*EI Eligible Clients Only

Employment Counselling

A collaborative goal setting and counselling service available to selected clients. This service involves further exploration and individual assistance in the areas of: career decision making, skills enhancement, job search and employment maintenance.

BCEP - BC Employment Program - ( available at all locations )

West Kootenay-Boundary and East Kootenay Regions Designed for those who have applied for and are qualified for BC Employment and Assistance. This program focuses on job placement - not training - and is geared toward the needs of people who are ready to move from welfare to work. The provincial government refers program participants and provides any necessary interim income support or transition-to-work benefits. Job Waves: provides participants with a skills assessment, employment counselling, and other employment-related supports. looks for suitable jobs for participants over a 90 day period, and assists participants to stay "on the job" for up to 19 months.

Community Assistance Program
A 9 week program designed for BC Employment & Assistance recipients who would like the necessary supports, training, positive skills development and counselling to assist in becoming self-reliant. Includes participation in volunteer/community activities.

Kootenay Wage Subsidy Program - ( available at Castlegar location )

The Kootenay Wage Subsidy (KWS) program rewards employers committed to creating ongoing employment and training new employees. Employers can be reimbursed for 40 to 50% of wage costs while they train a new worker.

The KWS program can lower an employer's training costs and provide ongoing employer/employee support while they train a new worker. The KWS program can also be tailored to help an employer accommodate a worker with a disability.

The Ashland Training Centre is the contact to deliver the program in the Castlegar area.

Qualifying for KWS:

Employers can access KWS if they:
Commit to providing ongoing, full-time employment (at least 35 - 40 hours/week) to a new employee
Pay employees a salary of hourly wage and make required payroll deductions
Normally, have been in business for one year
Negotiate the agreement with the KWS Coordinator prior to hiring
Are a private, public, or non-profit organization

Job-Seekers qualify for KWS if:

They are currently receiving Employment Insurance benefits
They have collected at least one week of E.I. benefits in the last three years
They have collected maternity or parental benefits in the last three years. If you are an employer and feel you need assistance to hire a new employee or a job seeker and think you might be eligible for KWS support contact the Ashland Training Centre to book an appointment with the Kootenay Wage Subsidy program coordinator

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