Employment Skills Access Program

Unemployed? The Employment Skills Access Program could be the next step.

VIU offers training programs that are specifically selected to help unemployed, non-Employment Insurance clients and employed individuals requiring skills-upgrading to gain or improve employment.

Programs of Study

Fully funded seats through the Employment Skills Access (ESA) Program are available for the following programs:

• Early Childhood Education & Care Assistant Program
• Introduction to Culinary Arts Program
• Marine Operator Training Program
• Building Service Worker
• WorkStart Essentials: Retail & Hospitality
• Foundations In First Nations Leadership and Capacity Building
• How To Register
• Contact Us

Early Childhood Education & Care Assistant Program

Early Childhood Education and Care Assistant training program is a culturally relevant program that will meet the needs of local communities. It will prepare participants with the necessary skills and knowledge for work as early childhood education assistants, integrating Aboriginal teachings and cultural values, beliefs, and traditions within the curriculum. The application deadline for this program is March 27, 2013.

For More Information

• Early Childhood Education & Care Assistant Program

Introduction to Culinary Arts Program

Are you interested in working in the culinary and food industry?  This 12-week program will provide students with the skills and knowledge required to fill entry level culinary and food service positions.  Students will experience an interactive classroom using discussion, lectures, and hands on experience in the kitchen, industry work experience and a final transition week. This program will prepare the successful student for work in the culinary/hospitality sector.

For More Information

• Introduction to Culinary Arts Program

Marine Operator Training Program

Are you interested in a career in the marine industry?  This three-week program kicks off with one week of foundation training that will refresh the participant’s knowledge in communication skills, working with others (partners/ teams / leadership), computer skills, numeracy, and document use.  The remainder of the program will focus on building awareness and receiving the necessary skills to meet the standards for gaining employment in the marine industry.

For more information: 

• Marine Operator Training Program

Building Service Worker

The primary focus of the program is learning and practicing the specific skills required for building service workers (including WHMIS and OFA). In addition, the program supports student success through the Foundation Skills Training course that will orient participants to the building service industry. This course includes discussion with employers about their expectations and requirements, and emphasizes development and practice of Essential Skills relevant to the industry. The Transition to Employment component assists participants with resume preparation and job search skills and resources. These courses are designed to enhance participants in successfully entering/re-entering the workforce. Graduates of the program secure employment in entry-level custodial positions in school districts, hospitals, other institutions, hotels, offices, and industrial settings. The Work Futures BC website recognizes the value of this training, stating that “individuals who have completed a building service worker certificate program may have an advantage in finding employment.

For more information:

• Builder Service Worker

WorkStart Essentials: Retail & Hospitality

Designed to assist unemployed individuals upgrade their essential skills, and acquire communication, thinking, problem solving, and sector specific skills for entry level employment in the Retail and Hospitality industry.

For more information:

• Workstart Essentials: Retail & Hospitality

Foundations In First Nations Leadership and Capacity Building

The Leadership and Capacity Building for First Nations program provides participants with the practical skills necessary for establishing and maintaining strong relationships: a critical element in locating and maintaining meaningful employment. The program supports the principle that all of us are leaders - at home and at work – whether we are co-workers, supervising team members on the job or parents. The program builds from two foundational courses: "The Essential Skills of Leadership" and "The Essential Skills of Communicating" guiding participants through a range of topics such as financial management, business writing, leading successful projects , providing feedback, improving work habits, resolving conflicts and managing change, and motivating team members.

For more information:

• Foundations In First Nations Leadership and Capacity Building

Eligibility

This program will cover all tuition and books for students that meet the eligibility criteria of the ESA program, namely the person:

• Unemployed:
  • Cannot be on EI or attached to EI in the past three years for a regular claim or past five years for a Maternity/Parental claim.

How to Register

• ESA Student Application Form

Contact Us