The Port Alberni Friendship Center proudly delivers Employment Skills and Training programs designed to empower Indigenous youth and community members. Our flagship employment program, Steps to Success, launched in October 2019, continues to thrive. Despite challenges posed by public health guidelines back in 2020, we have maintained our commitment to supporting youth through life skills development, communication training, resume and interview workshops, and certificate programs. Participants have also benefited from the guidance and cultural support provided by Darlene Leonew, our Cultural Support Worker.
Our programs are deeply rooted in the nuučaan̓uł language and culture, with initiatives such as Switchback, Ready Set Grow, and Food Skills integrated into the Steps to Success program. Participants receive a stipend based on the number of sessions they attend.
Skills Training Employment Program
The Port Alberni Friendship Center offers services aimed at enhancing the employability of unemployed and under-employed participants. Our goal is to explore the impact of innovative and collaborative solutions to address a wide range of socio-economic challenges within Indigenous communities.
Building a Foundation/Employment Readiness – 6 Weeks
Participants engage in activities four days a week, totaling 15 to 20 hours each week. The program helps them identify individual barriers, address social challenges, and explore new opportunities. Activities include group sessions, driver’s license test preparation, advocacy, and cultural events. Group session topics cover critical areas such as Self-Situational Awareness, Family & Community Systems, Understanding & Overcoming Racism, Dealing with Grief & Loss, Self-Confidence, From Dreams to Action, Family & Cultural Systems, Masking the Symptoms, Peer Support & Mentoring, and Action Planning.
A Cultural Advisor provides support by sharing traditional knowledge and skills through weekly cultural activities and events. Participants also receive workplace certifications, including WHMIS, First Aid, Foodsafe, Driver’s License Test Preparation, and Construction Safety. Additional group sessions cover resume/cover letter writing, interview skills, effective job searching, employer expectations, completing job applications, communication skills, conflict resolution, and essential skills. Participants who successfully complete this phase receive a completion bonus.
Work Experience
Participants gain work experience for 6 weeks up to 28 hours week, supplemented by employment readiness cultural activities one day a week for two hours on Fridays. All participants are placed in entry-level positions and are paid a wage based on the prevailing rate. Employers pay the participants and are subsequently reimbursed by the Port Alberni Friendship Center.