When Wei first visited Kelowna, she was captivated by its charm—the sparkling lake, the rolling hills, and the welcoming community. Deciding to make this picturesque town her new home, she soon found that settling down was more challenging than she had anticipated. Despite her skills and experience, she struggled with confidence in finding a job and contributing to the community. The initial excitement gave way to uncertainty and self-doubt, turning her dream of a fresh start into a daunting reality.
Everything changed when Wei discovered the OCCA - Job Connection for Future (JCF) program. From the moment she joined, Wei felt a renewed sense of hope. The program's engaging workshops and enriching networking events helped rebuild her confidence and honed her job-seeking strategies. The supportive environment allowed her to share her challenges, learn from others, and connect with local professionals and potential employers. Each session and interaction left her feeling more prepared and optimistic about her future.
Wei's dedication and hard work eventually paid off when she secured a role as a Client Advisor at RBC. This position perfectly blended her professional skills with her desire to engage with the community. Now, she takes immense pride in connecting with Kelowna's residents, meeting their needs, and building meaningful relationships.
Her role at RBC has provided her with the stability she longed for and a profound sense of belonging in her new home. Reflecting on her journey, Wei says, "I gained confidence and found my dream job. I met wonderful people who became friends, and this journey has been one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. Thank you, OCCA – JCF!"
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.