Vernon and district immigrant services society

Employment is an important step in the settlement and integration of Immigrants to Canada. Language difficulties, cultural differences and even Canadian job-search techniques can be overwhelming for many.

The staff at COIES focuses on providing services to assist our clients to successfully find work. These services include effective use of job search tools such as resumes and cover letters, job search and interview preparation workshops, and on-going employment counseling and support.

Our clients consist of a wide array of individuals in various fields of employment from over 30 different countries. We offer them culturally sensitive, flexible and adaptable services, throughout which COIES meets the individual needs of their clients.

Whether you are a newcomer or are still experiencing challenges in finding and maintaining employment, we have services to help you with your employment needs.

Employment Assistance services is a division of COIES that provides career counseling and employment assistance to guide clients through the process of entering or re-entering the Canadian workforce. We provide job-readiness services to newcomers to Canada or landed immigrants who are unemployed or working less than 20 hours per week. The services are at no cost to our clients and are designed to assist our clients with their job search. We work with clients one-on-one or in groups to develop a job action plan based on their goals. Landed immigrants and new Canadians can improve their employability by taking computer or job search workshops, or an information session on Self Employment. We also assist with resumes, cover letters, interview preparation, information on education and training opportunities, support with credential assessment/recognition, as well as an open computer lab and resource center.

• Foreign Credential Assessment Assistance
• Trades Recognition Qualifications Coaching
• Career Planning and Exploration
• Information on Hidden Job Market
• Job Board
• Assistance with Resumes and Cover Letters
• Workshops
  • Computer skills for job search
  • Writing resumes and cover letters
  • Preparing for job interviews
  • Networking: how to access the hidden job market
  • Preparing for TOEFL or LPI exams
  • Occupational Coaching- building industry specific vocabulary
  • Canadian employer expectations
  • Self-employment; this workshop will assist clients to assess their entrepreneurial skills and provide information on regulations and requirements for starting a new business in Canada
• Computer Lab
  • how to create a free email account
  • how to email your resume effectively
  • Simply Accounting
  • Windows XP
  • Microsoft Office Software (Word 2003, Excel 2003, Power Point 2003, Outlook 2003 and Access 2003)
  • Microsoft Language Pack (Japanese, Korean and Chinese)
• Resource Center
• Telephone, Photocopier and Fax
• Referrals to Community Agencies