Jasmine was a stay-at-home mom, fully dedicated to raising her two young children. After several years, she started thinking about going back to work. But the idea was intimidating. She had been out of the professional world for so long that her social connections had faded, her confidence was low, and was in a depressive state. Returning to work after such a long hiatus sparked uncertainty and appeared daunting.
Then, Jasmine found the JCF (Job Connect for Future) program offered by the OCCA Communities Association. This program turned out to be a game-changer for her. She shared, "The program was incredibly enriching. I met new friends, had a wonderfully supportive teacher, and learned valuable skills that boosted my self-confidence." The program also provided financial support and assistance in transportation, which made her transition back to work much easier and more convenient.
During her time in the program, Jasmine gained extensive knowledge and rebuilt her confidence. The teacher helped her prepare for interviews, and their unwavering support from OCCA was essential in her job search. With their guidance, Jasmine secured a position at the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO).
"I have been working at UBCO for almost two months and love my job. I am starting to feel confident at work and enjoying my job very much, and I am very grateful for this program. It has changed my life," Jasmine remarked. Thanks to the hard work and skills she developed through the JCF program, Jasmine is thriving in her new role at UBCO. She is now ready to take on new challenges and opportunities, confident in her abilities, and excited for the future.
The OCCA-JCF program is funded by the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills and the RBC Foundation. It offers Canadian workplace training through the partnership of the OCCA Communities Association and Okanagan College in Central Okanagan. OCCA also connects the JCF participants with employers, providing subsidies to help them gain valuable Canadian work experience and overcome typical job search challenges encountered by immigrants.
We respectfully acknowledge that the OCCA is operating on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation.
Please note that we will have a photographer on site during the events. If you prefer not to be featured in any photographs, kindly contact OCCA at info@occabc.ca.
In 2023, we received financial assistance from: Province of British Columbia; Mason Canada; First West Foundation; Warm Hearts Foundation.