The Experience Works program is a four-week employability skills program designed to assist individuals 45+ to re-enter the work force. The program excels at bringing together 14 strangers with a wide variety of social and economic backgrounds and transforming participants into confident, well-prepared and forward looking job seekers.

The program curriculum consists of three basic categories:

1. Self-development/self-assessment
Many of the clients who have accessed Experience Works (formerly Re-Employment 45) over the past seven years exhibited varying degrees of anger, resentment and fear around their job loss. These feelings will be addressed and explored in a group setting and participants will learn necessary coping strategies and focus their energies on finding work. Groups will also identify other barriers to employment. All groups will be solution focused.

Self-assessment classes, such as Transferable skills, Values and Personal Qualifications will be offered, as well as assessment tools such as the Holland Codes, Myers Briggs and Choices to help create the total portfolio the client has to offer in his job search

2. Employability Skills
For many of the mature workers who access the program, the process of finding work, as well as the skills required, will have changed. This segment of the program provides participants with the tools to effectively re-integrate themselves into the job market.

Classes are designed to facilitate the enhancement of skills. Participants will assess career choices taking into account factors such as job demands, temperament, aptitude requirements, environmental conditions, vocational preparation, and labour market demands. As well, participants will learn how to develop effective resumes and cover letters and will receive in-depth training on current interview practices.

3. Job Search
One week of supported job search brings closure to the program. During this period participants will continue to receive one-to-one employment counselling to ensure that clients are using the skills that they have learned and that they are moving toward the employment goal that they have developed.

For further information, please contact us at:
(250) 714-0471
or toll free 1-877-714-0471

We are located at:
306-155 Skinner Street
Nanaimo, BC, V9R 5E8