Zoë McCabe proudly brings her lived experience to her role at the Skills Centre. She was a stay at home mom, returned to school as an adult and really got into the workforce in her late thirties. Zoë is our newest project specialist.

She grew up in England and moved to Canada in 2005. She’s been in the Kootenays with her family since 2016 and has no plans to leave. “It feels like home,” she says.

Her own experience as a newcomer also gives her a different perspective that she believes will help her with her clients.

“Having had that different experience helps me relate differently to clients. It can be hard with clients if they think you don’t know what they are experiencing,” she says.

“I’m really excited to be moving into facilitating programs and learning about the community and putting what I learn into creating and implementing programs.”

Zoë will be facilitating our HEART program this fall in the Cranbrook area, something she is also very excited about because she used to ride horses in the UK.

If you or someone you know is interested in HEART in the East Kootenays, [contact Zoë today to find out more.](mailto:zmccabe@skillscentre.ca) She's taking registrations now.

Meet Zoë McCabe, our newest project specialist

**“I started with running a daycare, then I taught elementary school, and now I’m working with adults,”** Tina Caputo says happily. Happy, smiling and enthusiastic are the best ways to describe Tina’s first few days at the Skills Centre. She’s our newest project specialist and is eager to start working with clients.

You could certainly call Tina a local. She grew up in Fruitvale, went to high school in Rossland, and now lives in Trail. She’s been very involved in minor hockey for the past seven years in various roles and currently is the West Kootenay governor of U15. 

“I quite like it. It’s one of the highlights of the day for me,” she says of her hockey commitments.

Tina has been an elementary teacher on call for the past six years and brings her experience in education as well as on the teachers’ union board to her new role.

She will be working primarily with our new [Emerging Tech program for youth ages 17 to 29](https://skillscentre.ca/how-we-help/skills-training/2). She has taken extensive training at Selkirk College in their computer information systems program and has experience working with teens. She also delivered the Applied Design Skills & Technology curriculum in local elementary schools for a year. The ADST program included introducing kids to Tinkercad, virtual reality programming and 3D printing, all technologies that youth might want to explore in Emerging Tech.

“It’s exciting to be at the start of a new program and help people become more comfortable with a new technology,” she says. “Often when people are reluctant about something it’s because they don’t understand it. Once they try it and become comfortable learning it, that changes.”

Tina will be helping young people with intakes for [Emerging Tech](https://skillscentre.ca/how-we-help/skills-training/2) through the summer with training starting in September. If you’re interested in exploring the latest technologies and how they’ll help you in your career, [contact Tina today](mailto:tcaputo@skillscentre.ca).


Welcome Tina, our newest project specialist

It all comes down to raising a family in the best place for Heather Glenn-Dergousoff. Along with her husband and two young children, Heather traded the urban lifestyle of Calgary for the rural lifestyle of Rossland 10 years ago. Other than driving through once, they hadn’t even spent time here!

Her husband got a job with Fortis, though, and Heather was ready to leave her law enforcement career as a civilian criminal intelligence analyst to stay home with their two daughters. Their son was born here, and when he was 2, she decided it was time to go back to work.

> “I started working with families with young children to make this region the best place to raise a family,” Heather says. “It’s very important to support our families, especially with young children, because that’s the way to build vibrant communities.”

Heather started at the Skills Centre recently, working three days a week on poverty reduction initiatives. She continues to work the other two days as the executive director of the Family Action Network.

Last year, she also worked for the school district as an inclusion support employee, helping include the diverse needs of students in the classroom. She sees a natural progression from working with families and the complexities of working with different service providers to working to reduce poverty.

Heather’s work is primarily focused on reducing the number of people who are working yet still living in poverty in Trail. It’s a three year project that’s just getting started, and it lives up to her goal of making this the best place to raise a family.


Meet Heather

Statistics Canada's **September Labour Force Survey** is here! August data trends continued to prevail with a few key additions, so let’s see what the numbers say.   
![](https://files.benecms.com/skillscentre/media/September%20imbed%20LMI%20blog%20visual%20(2).png) 
>**Unadjusted data - regular seasonal events included*

 September brought about another rise to 6.1% in our region’s unemployment rate (unadjusted, 3-month moving average) which continued to trend higher than the province at 4.8% (4.3% seasonally adjusted) and Canada at 5.3% (5.2% seasonally adjusted). 

**Provincially,** British Columbia led national employment increases adding 33,000 jobs in September and reported one of the lowest unemployment rates in Canada with 109,000 more working today than before the pandemic. BC was one of only two provinces to have experienced job growth for youth.

**Nationally,** the unemployment rate decreased .2% bringing it to 5.2%. Employment dropped for women 15 – 24 years, but men of the same age saw an increase as did core age women (25-54 years). Unemployment was down for women 55+ and 25 – 54. Insight into two social conditions that influenced employment: 
-	Baby boomer retirements continued to place pressure on labour supply as Canadians 65+ have increased 11.6% since 2019 accounting for 736,000 Canadians
-	Women are more likely than men to make career/job decisions around daycare responsibilities

**Locally,** we continue connecting with local employers to identify labour market trends and listen to the impactful stories of economic conditions in our communities. These conversations and meetings help us respond to needs and build a deeper understanding of issues affecting those we serve. While we continue to report back on what we discover, we welcome employers to reach out.   If you are interested in sharing your experience in our labour market or to find out how we can help, let’s connect: (250)368-6360 ext 223, [alocken@skillscentre.ca](mailto:alocken@skillscentre.ca)

**Interested in what we do?** Here’s a list of services for job seekers, employed persons, and employers alike – we have something for everyone! 
>- **[Job board](https://skillscentre.ca/jobs) or [Post a Job](https://skillscentre.ca/jobs/post)**
>- **[Support for businesses](https://skillscentre.ca/how-we-help/support-for-business/)** 
>- **[Employment programs](https://skillscentre.ca/how-we-help/skills-training/)** 
>- **[Skills Centre Newsletter](https://skillscentre.ca/news)** 
>- **[Poverty Reduction](https://skillscentre.ca/how-we-help/poverty-reduction/)** 

Check out the full survey [here](https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/221007/dq221007a-eng.htm?HPA=1)!

**Questions and/or comments?** 
Alia Locken, Research Officer at the Skills Centre, prepared the above statistical interpretations. You can contact Alia directly by email [alocken@skillscentre.ca](mailto:alocken@skillscentre.ca) or phone (250)368-6360 ext 223.

>Sources:
>- Statistics Canada. [Table 14-10-0387-02  Labour force characteristics by province and economic region, three-month moving average, unadjusted for seasonality](https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=1410038702) Oct 13, 2022
>- Statistics Canada. [Table 14-10-0287-01  Labour force characteristics, monthly, seasonally adjusted and trend-cycle, last 5 months](https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=1410038701)Oct 13, 2022
>- [The Daily — Labour Force Survey, September 2022 (statcan.gc.ca](https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/221007/dq221007a-eng.htm?HPA=1) Oct 13, 2022

Employers, Job Seekers, Employees – how are you doing?

**“It is exciting to be a part of a new program team** offering the Sparking Opportunities program,” says Karina Allis. “I look forward to seeing participants take on the challenges of exploring, learning and developing skills that will take them into self-employment or remote work.”

Karina has been providing employment support services at the Skills Centre since 2009. She brings many years of diverse experience to her role as facilitator and is focused on helping each client find their own best path. 

“We are going to look at the big employment picture. Helping people identify their skills, interests and strengths, explore learning options by checking out training, software, courses, all kinds of micro-credentials that will build on your existing strengths and capabilities. We will work together to identify opportunities in the labour market, how to best service barriers and create a plan to launch your future business the way you need it to work.”


Meet Your Facilitator: Karina Allis

Are you 17 to 29 years old and want to train as a wildfire fighter? We’re offering a Boot Camp April 11-14 near Nelson. Take these four courses:
- S100/S185 Fireline Safety & Suppression/ Fire Entrapment Avoidance
- S212- Fireline Communications
- ICS100 – Introduction to the Incident Command System

You’ll also get employment readiness workshops and soft skills training in workshops such as resume writing, cover letters, interview prep, and soft skills including communication, team work, and time management. 

[Contact Bethel](https://skillscentre.ca/contact/) today to see about eligibility.


Wildfire Fighting Boot Camp this April

Did you know our logo represents diverse people connecting and supporting each other? We're here to help you.

We promote inclusivity, equity and diversity in the community and in the workplace. We also believe in skills development throughout our careers, so we’re constantly learning and passing these new skills on to our clients. The Skills Centre is an inclusive, accessible, safe & welcoming place for people of all genders, sexual orientations, abilities, ethnicities & lived experiences. 

Our staff take Mental Health First Aid and trauma informed workplace training. Our program facilitators have your best interests in mind. They are caring, capable & trained to help you succeed. We know you have questions. Contact our office today to find out how we can help you.

Meet Your Facilitators

**Bethel Torres** has served our clients in many roles, as admin support, project specialist and IWL Learning Assistant. She works with our youth programs and HEART. Helping guide you to achieve what you want is an important part of our work, and Bethel says there is so much that we can learn at any point in our lives.

“Young people know they can learn new skills. They’re not always sure what to learn because there are so many options. We’re here to help them focus on what they want,” she says.

“This is just the beginning of their career journey. We help them identify their abilities and match them to their preferences. They often discover many things about themselves that they didn’t know, and that leads them to start to realize their potential,” she says.

Driven by her commitment to make a positive impact on our clients, she takes pride in providing support to our programs for young adults.

Your Skills Training Facilitator: Bethel Torres

**Allan Pusey** is a Red Seal Carpenter with more than 14 years of hands on work experience in construction, including 5 years operating his own custom woodworking company. He has taught 3 ITA approved Carpentry Red Seal refresher courses and helped over 300 laborers, apprentices and journeypersons prepare for training and new employment in the trades.

“One of the biggest challenges for people entering the trades is knowing what to expect and what is expected of them, and gaining the skills that employers are seeking. We help them overcome these hurdles with Tools for Trades,” Allan says.

Allan has 10+ years of experience working with job seekers and employers across the Kootenays, giving tried and tested advice, assistance and supports. Tools For Trades participants can expect to gain valuable insights into the world of construction, access to funding for foundations training as well as safety courses, work clothing, tools, accurate labour market information, and thorough job search coaching.

Your Tools for Trades Facilitator: Allan Pusey

**Bethel Torres** has been part of the Skills Centre as admin support and more recently as our new project specialist. Using her professional expertise, especially with languages, and her experience moving to Canada and finding a rewarding job, she knows how to help clients who are new to the country.

“Brave Beginnings is really a unique opportunity for people to adjust to life in Canada and get help finding a job. I am from Mexico, and I have lived in Canada for more than 10 years. I remember how challenging it was to get a job. I would have been so happy to have help like this,” she says.

“It helps so much to be able to talk with someone in the language you are most comfortable speaking. I really encourage people to come in and speak to us and see how we can help them gain the skills they want.”

Driven by her commitment to make a positive impact on our clients, Bethel takes pride in providing support to our programs for newcomers.

**Harshil Patel** works at the Skills Centre as a program facilitator and placement coordinator. He is fluent in Gujarati, Hindi and English.

“When I came to Canada, I found it very hard to find a job for the first six months that I was here. We know people sometimes have language barriers to learning a new skill or getting a new job. That’s why Bethel and I are excited to offer Brave Beginnings for Newcomers in all of these languages,” he says.

Learning new skills and applying for a job in a new country can be challenging. Helping people build their confidence to take these steps is one of the most important parts of working with clients, Harshil says.

“Brave Beginnings supports participants with individualized employment assistance services, skills training, and financial supports. I am passionate to support newcomers and help them to settle into their new life in Canada,” he says.

Meet Our Multi-lingual Facilitators: Bethel Torres & Harshil Patel

**Karina Allis** changed career tracks as a mature worker to become an employment counsellor. Her experience making a career and employment transition is key to successfully supporting job seekers. She knows her stuff, and she knows how to help people find the confidence and comfort level to learn new skills and find a new job at any stage of their life.

“There are many reasons why people over 55 are looking for a different job. We understand those reasons, and I will work with them to help them make that change,” she says.

“Many of our clients haven’t written a resume in 25 or more years. The last time they looked for a job, it was a very different experience. We’re here to give people the tools to get through those challenges and start a new phase of their life.”

“I often say to people I practiced being unemployed before starting my career as an employment counsellor, and learned that finding the right employer is as important as finding the right job!”

Your Mature Workers Facilitator: Karina Allis

Search our news stories and blog posts here, either by date or keyword.

Explore

Couldn't find what you're looking for? Here are more ways we can help you!

Find the latest news about programs for you, our work in the community & trends that help you as a worker or an employer.

News

Support for Business

Inside Job Consulting (IJC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Skills Centre. Since 2010, IJC has provided services focusing on human resources knowledge and skills development, wellness programs and workforce development within the Lower Columbia Region.

About Inside Job Consulting

Our experienced consultants offer human resources services tailored to meet the needs and unique challenges of each person and business. Whether you need assistance with your job search or professional development, our consultants will provide the expertise, support and guidance customized to meet your needs. We offer individual services as well as group workshops to assist you with your career and your business’s success.

How it works

"I feel I can better represent myself when interacting with a supervisor or co-worker. I feel more confident of how to express myself better. I am feeling more positive. I would recommend this workshop for sure. I found it very enjoyable and encouraging." 

Inside Job Consulting

With completion of this pilot project, Teck Trail Operations moved ahead with a secondary strategy to utilize internal people to develop and drive a diversity plan, including establishing Diversity Committee. They announced a 30 x 30 target of 30% of their workforce would be women by 2030.

The result

- Maternity/paternity leave policy development
- Networking events across business areas
- Increased awareness of gender diversity within Teck’s Trail Operations
- Posting and succession planning processes
- Development of a Quick Guide (easy access information for employees)
- Bridging the gap in community perception and promotion of career opportunities for women
- Industrial lifting devices that mitigate physically demanding tasks
- Family friendly workplace practices, including research of childcare and family sick days

The Affinity Projects addressed topics including:

***As a result of the mentorship relationships, the Affinity Projects and the conversations within the project’s sponsorship team, other project successes include:***

- greater transparency in career advancement opportunities, including more job postings
- new kinds of conversations, including career mentorship and sponsorship, awareness of gender differences and the accommodation of family needs; and
- people at all levels taking on leadership to make a difference

"This program has so many different facets. It really taught me new coping skills in areas I’d never thought of looking at."

Mining & Refining for Women

Our best example of our success is the Teck Wellness & Learning Centre. We work with Teck Metals Ltd. to organize short courses, sports and fitness activities, and health and wellness awareness campaigns.

Inside Job Consulting has over 10 years of experience facilitating workplace learning and wellness programs for employers in the Lower Columbia Region.

Our success

IJC can facilitate individual pay-per-use courses or comprehensive programs for employers focussed on enhancing employees’ overall health and wellness. We can also develop general interest programs that can help your workplace become a first choice for job seekers.

IJC’s wellness and learning programs can be held at the employer’s facility as a ‘Lunch and Learn’ format or after hours in a classroom-based format for more in-depth programs

Teck Wellness & Learning Centre

We are leading the way in bringing awareness to poverty issues in the area and finding solutions for the most vulnerable people in our communities.

Poverty Reduction

A living wage sets a higher standard than the minimum wage: it is what a family needs to earn to provide the basic needs based on the actual costs of living in a community. Living Wage Canada notes that it gets families out of severe financial stress, lifts them out of poverty and provides a basic level of economic security.

We're a Living Wage Employer

Thriving for All is the official poverty reduction plan adopted by the City of Trail, City of Rossland, Village of Warfield, Village of Montrose, and Village of Fruitvale. It is a project of the Skills Centre. Learn how your community can be involved.

What is Thriving for All?

Community Kitchens invites people living with low income to participate in meal preparation once a week, creating an increased sense of community as well as improved food security. Participants prepare enough food that day for their household and learn budgeting skills along with food preparation ideas.  

Community Kitchens offers a weekly get together where our coordinator helps participants select inexpensive food, focused on what is readily available at the foodbank and on sale at local grocers. It is an opportunity to prepare and enjoy food as a group, allowing participants social as well as nutritional benefits.

Community Kitchens is currently not running. We are always looking for funding and ways to make it a year-round offering.

Community Kitchens

We’ve partnered with Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy [(CBAL)](https://cbal.org/) to offer Financial Navigators: helping people living with low income figure out what support is available for them in the community, and building stronger partnerships among community service providers to offer the best service to their clients.

It offers workshops, information and resources to navigate government benefits, financial institutions and financial literacy resources to increase the financial well-being of participants.

We’re offering this Financial Navigation program in 16 communities throughout the region: Arrow and Slocan Lakes, Grand Forks, Castlegar, Cranbook, Creston, Elk Valley, Golden, Kaslo and Balfour, Kimberley, Nelson, Revelstoke, Salmo, Slocan Valley, Trail and Area, Valemount, and Windermere Valley.


Financial Navigation Program

- Housing
- Social, health & community services
- Food security
- Learning & development
- Creating a vibrant & inclusive community

We're working with community partners to improve:

Everyone should have equal access to recreational and cultural amenities in our communities. Another of our poverty reduction initiatives is the Common Access Card. It is a simple, streamlined way to offer low-barrier access to recreation, leisure, and cultural activities in our communities to people living with low income.

The Common Access Card allows people to enjoy these services with dignity and a single vetting process: show the card and you get the discount rather than having to apply at each place. Getting the card means the person or family has been vetted and qualifies for the discounts. No extra questions, no fuss.

We have launched the Common Access Cards with the recreation services of Trail, Rossland, Warfield and Beaver Valley (run by RDKB) participating. We’re planning to add other recreational and cultural organizations as we go.

Common Access Card

**Working poverty is a complex issue.** It describes people who work full time yet still do not have enough financial resources to support their basic needs of adequate shelter and food. We’re aiming to change that in Trail.

Building Community Resilience by Ending Working Poverty is a new collaboration between five communities across Canada, and Trail is the BC participant. The others are Chatham-Kent, Ontario, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and Drumheller, Alberta.

Together, we will reduce the number of individuals and families working yet still living in poverty by 5% in our community. 

By looking at working poverty and aiming to reduce it in Trail, we will create a place where more of our residents can thrive and prosper.

Heather is our poverty reduction specialist working on this initiative. Contact Heather to learn more. 

Ending Working Poverty

Thriving for All

The Skills Centre provides free and low-cost skills training and employment programs. We will help you get the certifications you need, help with your resume and interview skills, and offer financial support while you learn.

Skills Training

- The Medical Lab Assistant training will allow participants to obtain stable employment, earn a living wage, and fill essential job vacancies in our region.
- We’ll also provide soft skills and essential skills workshops to help participants prepare for job interviews and starting a new job.
- The program consists of five online theory courses, a five-day in-person workshop, and an 8 week clinical practicum in a hospital or laboratory. These components provide the theory, skills and certification required for participants to work as a Medical Lab Assistant.

The Skills Centre is partnering with Interior Health and Thompson Rivers University to offer this training.

To be eligible for this program, you must:
- be a woman 19 – 29 years old
- be a Canadian Citizen; or a Permanent Resident; or Protected person entitled to work in Canada
- be living in B.C. 
- have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) 
- be unemployed, or employed part time, seasonally, casually, or precariously employed and seeking training to find a new job, prepare for changing job requirements or new job opportunities 
- Participants cannot be enrolled in another federally or provincially funded training program at the same time.
- Participants currently receiving regular Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, and those on Income Assistance (IA), are eligible to participate.

Are you eligible for the Medical Lab Assistant training?

"I was very impressed with the level of service provided by the Skills Centre. I was able to find full-time employment in my field within a month of completion of my courses. I highly recommend taking advantage of what the Skills Centre has to offer."

Medical Lab Assistant Training

Certification exams for companies like Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco, HP, and CompTIA are available at the Skills Centre.

From the [Pearson Vue Test Takers web page](https://home.pearsonvue.com/test-taker.aspx), you can search for designated exams and register online to come in and write the required exams.

The Pearson Vue Testing Facility offers:

***Pearson Vue offers proctored, online testing and certification for hundreds of credentialed organizations in a variety of sectors, including:***
- Academic entrance and admissions to various institutions
- Information Technology
- Financial and related services
- Government
- Health Care

Online testing and certification

"Through this program I was able to get certifications with WHIMIS, Serving It Right, and Food Safe. I have been supported through my entire journey by everyone I met through these programs! I now have my confidence and self esteem that had slipped out from me due to my age. Everyone has been patient, flexible, and kind!"

Pearson Vue Test Facility

Karina Allis

Project Specialist

**Karina Allis** changed career tracks as a mature worker to become an employment counsellor. Her experience making a career and employment transition is key to successfully supporting job seekers. She knows her stuff, and she knows how to help people find the confidence and comfort level to learn new skills and find a new job at any stage of their life.

Meet your facilitator

- Food Safe
- WHMIS
- Super Host
- First Aid training
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
- Naloxone
- Mental Health First Aid
- Basic Security Training Certification

We offer job specific certificates such as:

- Workshops on job searching today, updating your resume, and interview skills
- Workshops on soft skills including communication, confidence, team work, interpersonal skills, age in the workplace, coping skills (such as stress or shift work), health and wellness, mental health & self-care
- Job placement support including wage subsidies and connecting you with employers
- Funding for transportation, required work clothing or gear, criminal record check, and more.

We offer workshops such as:

"Knowing my job application skills were rusty and needed to be fine-tuned, I joined the Mature Workers program. As well as providing some guidance in updating skills, the staff has assisted in financial support for further courses and partnering with other community agencies. Many thanks to the staff of the Skills Centre."

Mature Workers

Karina Allis is your Sparking Opportunities facilitator. 

If you have a permanent or recurring physical, mental, neurodevelopmental, or any other barrier or disability that restricts your ability to perform daily activities and require assistance to prepare for, obtain and keep employment or self-employment, or advance your career, you may be eligible.

We offer service in English, Spanish & Filipino.

Sparking Opportunities is available in the West Kootenay & Boundary region

- Essential skills workshops
- Psychological first aid
- Entrepreneurial assessment
- Start-up training
- Communications & marketing training Financial training
- Counselling sessions
- Holistic supports such as yoga, art therapy, equine-assisted learning & mindfulness
- Get financial support to purchase a laptop

Access short term training specific for your needs:

Sparking Opportunities

The Skills Centre is partnering with the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL) to deliver the new program throughout the Kootenay and Boundary regions.

This new program is now available and will run for two years in 16 communities across the Columbia Basin and Boundary regions.

![](https://files.benecms.com/skillscentre/media/In%20part%20-%20English.png)

A 2 year partnership

Navigating the financial supports available to people living with low income means filling out forms, answering personal questions, reading and signing documents—actions that can be over-complicated to the client trying to get the service.

Financial Navigation will help empower adults and families living with low income to improve their financial wellbeing. We will help you increase in your knowledge of the benefits to which you are entitled and help you improve your ability to access them.

Helping people living with low income

- Do you know all of the financial empowerment services for people living with low income in your community?
- Are you giving clients all the information on financial supports they may be eligible to receive?
- Join us in sharing best practices for offering financial empowerment to people in living with low income. Build stronger partnerships in your community and offer the best service to your clients living with low income.
- This program will share information, tools, resources and best practices so that you can be the best source of help for people living with low income and struggling with understanding all of the financial services out there.

Helping service providers, too

Financial Navigation Training

Bethel Torres

Inspiring Wellness & Learning Assistant

Did you know our logo represents diverse people connecting and supporting each other? We're here to help you.

Our program facilitators have your best interests in mind. They are caring, capable & trained to help you succeed. We know you have questions. Tina is your facilitator for the Emerging Tech program. Contact our office today to find out how we can help you.

Meet your facilitators

What skills will you need for the future? Bring us your ideas for jobs using the latest technology, including:

- Web development
- Coding
- Drones
- Software or hardware
- Design
- Solar panels
- Smart devices
- Programming
- Data
- Green jobs
- & more

How do you define emerging technology?

**We'll build a training plan with you around any job in emerging tech - bring us your ideas!**

You can take this training to add a micro credential or additional training to your existing skillset so you’re better prepared for the greening economy.

> For example, if you are an electrician, you could take a course in solar panels or if you build houses, a course in passive homes.

You can also access workshops on soft skills including communication, interpersonal skills, meeting employer expectations, customer service, problem solving, coping skills (such as stress, shift work), health and wellness, mental health & self-care, and safety on the job.

> We're looking at all angles of creativity & innovation. We'll talk about equity, diversity and inclusion, teamwork, collaboration, culturally specific conflict resolution strategies, and you can access up to 3 sessions of Medicine Wheel Coaching.

Emerging Tech for Youth

Wellness, mental health & healing are more than trends—they are vital to our well-being. We offer gentle & effective programs for survivors of trauma, violence or abuse. Join us in a safe space and learn the tools to help you heal the past and look to the future.

Heal your body, mind & spirit before you begin your job search

Healing & Wellness

Zoe McCabe is our facilitator for HEART. She's always ready to listen and offer guidance and will make sure you're getting the most out of your experience with the Skills Centre.

Equine-assisted learning uses horses to promote physical, occupational and emotional growth in people. It can help you build confidence, trust, and self-efficiency, improve communication and social skills, learn boundary setting and control triggers.

Participants will also receive individual counselling supports and a training wage at a living wage rate of $21.13 per hour for 16 hours per week. Other financial supports include childcare, nourishment, transportation, pre-employment counselling appointments, training and wrap-around services.


HEART is a skills development program in the Kootenay/Boundary region that includes foundational and transferable skills, social and emotional skills, and equine assisted learning. It is a pre-employment program to improve your overall well-being and employment readiness.

HEART offers workshops on topics such as:

Access

- counselling sessions
- art therapy
- psychological first aid course
- mental health first aid course
- Indigenous Canada course

Group workshops & individual work

"At HEART, I was validated and valued in a way myself and experiences have never been. I was able to shed some of the guilt and shame I carried, and while it will take further daily practice, I feel a sense of strength and hope within me that I have never felt before."

HEART: Healing through Equine Assistance & Resiliency Training

**Free mental health resources**

Check out these free mental health resources. (These are external sources and not the responsibility of the Skills Centre.)

[Virtual mental health resources](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/mental-health-substance-use/virtual-mental-health-supports) (Government of BC)

[Workplace Mental Health BC](https://workmentalhealthbc.ca/)

[BounceBack BC](https://bouncebackbc.ca) - Free mental health program

Canadian Mental Health Association
- [General information](https://cmha.bc.ca/mental-health/mental-health-information/)
- [Programs & Services](https://cmha.bc.ca/programs-and-services/) 

**Mental Health Training**

Short courses that provide mental health training. Talk to us about taking these courses as part of your training plan.

[Mental Health First Aid](https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/training/mhfa/)

[Psychological First Aid](https://www.redcross.ca/training-and-certification/course-descriptions/psychological-first-aid)

**Mental health in the workplace**

Mental health in the workplace is the responsibility of the employer & the employee. Check out these helpful resources to learn more.

[Workplace Strategies for Mental Health](https://www.workplacestrategiesformentalhealth.com/resources/mental-health-at-work)

[Resources for employees & their families](https://www.workplacestrategiesformentalhealth.com/topic/Resources-for-employees)

[Mental health awareness videos](https://www.workplacestrategiesformentalhealth.com/resources/mental-health-awareness-videos)

[Mental health apps](https://www.workplacestrategiesformentalhealth.com/resources/mental-health-apps)

[Assessment tools](https://www.workplacestrategiesformentalhealth.com/resources/atw-assessments)

Free mental health resources

And here's [a mental health resource list](https://files.benecms.com/skillscentre/files/CYMHSU%20Referral%20Mental%20Health-web-2.pdf) that's local for West Kootenay communities.

Want to learn more about mental health as an employer or an employee? [Contact us.](https://skillscentre.ca/contact/)

We can help you find mental health resources

"SOVA gave me the confidence to overcome my barriers to employment. During and after SOVA my barriers and obstacles to employment became opportunities and possibilities."

Mental Health Resources

Karina Allis has delivered trauma informed employment supports in group and individual settings for the past eight years here at the Skills Centre. She knows her stuff, and she knows how to help people find the confidence and comfort level to learn new skills and find a new job at any stage of their life.

- Workshops on setting boundaries, healthy communication, self-care, impacts of abuse and shame, stress and anger management, self-esteem, self-awareness, yoga and mindfulness
- Access to free short and long term certificates and upgrades
- Workshops on job searches, resume writing, and interview skills
- Job placement support including wage subsidies and matching you with an employer
- Funding for transportation and childcare, refreshments on workshop days, required work clothing or gear, and a small weekly stipend

We offer:

We will work with you individually or you can join a small group of other participants who have also survived trauma and work with us over three months to get or refresh the skills and certifications you need to be competitive in the labour market.

"The skills and insights that I gained has positively changed every aspect of my life and reshaped my future. The kind, compassionate and knowledgeable facilitators created a safe, pleasant, and supportive environment to discover the kind of future that I have always dreamed about, but not had the skills nor confidence to pursue."

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