Employability Skills Program
This part-time program combines classroom instruction and work-site training. It offers adults with disabilities opportunities to learn new skills in the areas of:
- employment preparation
- personal management skills required for workplace and independent living
- developing an individual vocational plan.
Students may be permitted to take individual courses or program components if space is available. Click here for course schedule.
Course Content
- Communication skills and work habits
- Employer/employee attitudes and expectations
- Time management
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- Knowing your strengths; Knowing your needs
- Team work
- Positive self esteem
- Learning how to look for work
- Interview skills
- Handling money and banking
- Managing on a budget
- Reading and writing at work
Work Site Training
Students spend one or two mornings / week in pracital, hands-on, work-related activites. These are aimed at introducing students to job-realted skills. Currently, much of the students' worksite training occurs at Providence Community Association, in the Cowichan Valley. In this setting, students acquire vocational skills and positive work habits for entry-level work areas such as retail, janitorial, horticultural, and food preparation. This takes place in the second semester of the first year.
Admission Requirements
- Students must be at least 18 years of age.
- A medical form must be submitted to indicate an applicant will not be at risk by participating in the program.
- Assessment documentation will be required to determine the level and type of disability.
- A basic literacy level and ability to work semi-independently are generally necessary in the majority of program course work.
How to Apply
- Call the Employability Skills Program office at 250-746-3508 or 250-746-3565 to discuss your interests.
- Make an appointment for an interview.
- Complete an application form and provide required documentation.
- Obtain your “Permission to Register” form from program coordinator and take it to the Registration Centre.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition fees are approximately $290 per semester. Students also pay a Student Society Fee of $35.38, and activity fees.
All fees and costs are subject to change without prior notice.
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance may be available through the Adult Basic Education Student Assistance Program (ABESAP) in the form of a grant for those who qualify. Application forms are available from Student Services, 250-746-3509.
For Further Information
Please contact the Access Program Coordinator at 250-746-3508 for up-to-date information, or call our Student Services Department at 250-746-3509.