Building Opportunities with BusinessBusinessLinks Program

2007-2008

•The Concept

•How it Works

•Programs to Date

Overview

The Concept

•December 2005•In partnership with Western Economic Diversification, ACCESS and Bell, two pilot BusinessLinks launched

The Conception of the Concept

•a customized training program that helps bridge the gap between unemployed residents in the inner city and employers

•brings together unemployed people, employers, specialized instructors and community partner agencies

A Bridge

How it Works

•job seekers referred from over 40 registered employment agencies

• the employer is encouraged to participate • give a workplace tour • provide lunches or bus tickets for participants• facilitate a session • attend the graduation ceremony at the end of

the program

• customized depending on what sessions the employer suggests should be included

•Landscaping (Feb 08)• Applications: 19 applications• Participants: 17 people completed the program.• Job Offers: Job offers were made to 10

participants

The Numbers to Prove It

• Commercial Cleaner (August 07)• Participants: 6 participants started the program and 6 completed• Job Offers: Job offers were made to all 6 participants

• Customer Service (Sept 07)

• Participants: 6 participants started the program and 6 completed

• Job Offers: Job offers were made to 4 participants

Programs to Date

Food Industries – May 2008

• Salt Tasting Room

• Chill Winston

• Potluck Café and Catering

• Boneta

• Irish Heather

• SoCial

• Out to Lunch Cuisine

2007-08 BusinessLinks

• Call Centre

• Housekeeping

• Commercial Cleaner

• Banquet/ Event Server

• Customer Service

• Landscaping

How YOU Can Get Involved

•1. Planning Meetings•2. Industry Night (4-6 PM) •3. BusinessLinks Training•4. Interviews •5. BOB Supportive Employment

For more information please contact Liz Charyna at

778-328-7669 or email liz.charyna@bobics.org

Criteria for Employer Involvement