Recovered and Headed for Success

After completing my recovery program at a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centre, I was determined to continue moving forward with my life. I knew that, for many reasons, finding secure employment was crucial to my recovery.

I had been unemployed for three years, and after finishing the treatment program, I began looking for work. I had been out of the workforce for a long time, and I was unsure how to begin searching for jobs on my own. I barely had a resume, my skills were limited, and with no recent work experience, I realized it would be difficult to secure a position. Additionally, conduct most of the job search process online was another significant barrier because I lacked computer skills. I was frustrated and worried I might never find work.

At the Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centre, I was able to connect with the team at the WorkBC outreach centre. After hearing about my employment concerns, I was referred to the WorkBC Centre Guildford.

Before starting my job search, to ensure I was set up for success and able to focus on achieving my employment goals, I accessed the wrap-around supports available to a person recovering from addiction. These services were critically beneficial, as I received integrated assistance with housing, counselling, and addiction treatment resources needed to build a strong foundation for my employment journey. I am very appreciative of these supports, because of them, I was able to engage effectively in the WorkBC employment services.

At the WorkBC Centre Guildford, I received comprehensive and dedicated support. When I met my case manager, we created a clear plan to set me up for success. I began with learning computer skills provided by the centre. This was an important step for me, as I needed to gain computer confidence for the job search process as well as for future work responsibilities. Additionally, I received valuable support with resume and cover letter writing workshops led by the WorkBC Centre Guildford team. These workshops helped me learn how to write effective resumes and develop strategies for the job search process.

Having been out of the workforce for so long, I lacked many in-demand skills needed to achieve my employment goals. As I required training, the WorkBC Centre Guildford team helped me expand my skillset by arranging several programs for me to complete, including First Aid, forklift operation, and fall protection certifications. These not only improved my qualifications but also boosted my confidence.

Once I finished my training and was ready to continue applying to jobs, my case manager helped me understand the job search process and guided me through applications. To further set me up for success, I accessed the Wage Subsidy program. The Wage Subsidy program supports employers by reducing the cost of hiring and training new employees and filling positions with a portion of the wages covered. This is great for job seekers like me because it encouraged employers to open positions for me and I was able to learn more new skills through on-the-job training, gain experience, and make connections.

I am now very proud to share that I am employed full-time as a painter. I am beyond grateful to be back in the workforce and in a great position to continue my recovery.

I was so impressed by the follow-through with WorkBC. After receiving my job offer, they didn’t stop with their support. To ensure I could successfully start my job, I received the necessary supplies to begin work, items I otherwise couldn’t have gotten on my own. I was able to start work prepared and confident. This comprehensive support was crucial role in helping me secure employment and I am so thankful.

WorkBC has been awesome. I received exceptional care and support from my case manager, truly the best I could have hoped for. I am excited to be working and I can’t wait to keep moving forward in my career.

Life will be different now. Life will be better now.