Coming out of a Covid Coma

We are open… and it feels… well…different.  We are slower and more thoughtful about our interactions, we’ve increased our health and safety protocols, installed our engineered controls, all in anticipation to safely welcome you back!   As we begin to emerge from this Lockdown and move through the next phases of reality, we are noticing a slowness, a remembering, and re-learning.  This time collides with a season of what would normally be a fast moving spring and summer… its like the outside world and our inside worlds are a little out of whack.  Our muscle memory sorta needs a patient reminder to slow down,  embrace vulnerability and adapt to a different time.

The Conference Board of Canada has developed a series of webinars and podcasts to help our nation and its leaders begin to embrace, acknowledge and plan for the world that awaits.  In this Bright Futures Podcast, Health columnist André Picard joins us to talk about what we can expect as we move to the next phase of the COVID-19 crisis: the slow reopening.  What lessons have we learned so far? And will we remember them? How will we bring social distancing to the workplace?  And what are the “bright spots” in this? —the changes that are happening that have been a long time coming.

This may be a fine time for us to collaborate and immerse ourselves into these conversations, feel supported and move consciously out of this… Covid Coma, with a renewed perspective and a feeling of togetherness. Now, more than ever, we need an intentional slow walk back into each others lives, and a kind renewal of how we do things, with an open spirit for accepting change.   We have got this… See you soon Princeton!

 

Hello Princeton! Check out our WorkBC News

Hello Princeton we have missed you!  We have been busy getting ready for your return!  Here is a few things our team is up to: 

  • Adapting & Creating a safe place for continuous Reliability
  • Safely shaping a hybrid of virtual and in person services  
  • Searching for Job Postings
  • Preparing communications,
  • Meeting with clients virtually
  •  Getting ready to safely welcome you back into our centre

We are here for you, and encourage you to reach out.  Below you can CLICK on our most recent copy of the Princeton Labour Market News.  Remember to call or email us with any inquiries about how we can best support you moving forward.  Stay tuned, we are going to be reopening soon, safe and full of smiles :-)!

Sharan, Leah & Elsie

Princeton Labour Market News V4 2020 05-7 FINAL

 

Job Board May 7-2020

Our Pandemic Learning

We learned much about ourselves since March 18, 2020.  On that day, we were forced to close our doors for the first time in our 25 years of service to Princeton.  We certainly did not take that decision lightly and it was the last thing we wanted to do.  At that time there was much we did not know about the virus, and how to protect our staff and our clients.  These were…and are unique times.

The work did not stop, in fact it accelerated.  During the last 8 weeks we have worked with our partners to establish a virtual service for our clients including online workshops, labour market newsletters and updates, job postings, and virtual services direct to each client.  The learning curve was intense.

To pivot a direct service organization and create a virtual service required hard work, creativity, collaboration, and technology.  We assembled working teams addressing collating and interpreting Government announcements, creating virtual workshops, providing clients with virtual access to information, and transitioned how we interacted with our customers.  Goal setting & Teamwork accomplishes much.

We needed to check our resiliency.  This pandemic was about to create a myriad of difficulties for our operation, and perspective and balance was important.  Our ability to be resilient protected our mental health capacity which was challenged and we felt it.  We understood that in order to make it through, not only this current state but the “new normal” state that faces us at the other end, we needed to protect ourselves.  We needed to be able to absorb a tremendous amount of information and that required mind health.  Dr Bonnie Henry’s steadfast advice was the underpinning of this learning.  Be calm, be kind, stay safe. 

Moving forward, we don’t have the big picture…yet.  As most may not.  We know we are here to serve our community, and we will be figuring out how that can be done and what our next steps are.  We know challenges lie ahead for us, and we will continue to creatively solve our problems, one step at a time.  After all, that’s a tried and tested process for getting through difficult times.  Find what’s in your control, and work that angle.

June 1 Planned Re-Opening

Well it is finally happening.  BC is going to gradually open back up for business and services and we are moving in this forward direction as well. We are thrilled to be able to re-open our doors to our community!

We will be planning for a June 1 reopening of our doors to the WorkBC Resource Centre and our meeting and office services….with modifications.

  • There WILL be barriers & separation in place to protect staff and customers;
  • There WILL be limits on the number of people in the centre and how they enter and exit the building;
  • There WILL be administrative protocols in place such as signage to remind you of SOCIAL DISTANCING, PROPER COUGHING & SNEEZING ETIQUETTE, HANDWASHING / SANITIZING;
  • There WILL be regular cleaning and sanitizing of frequently used surfaces such as counters, computers and printers.

We are planning on future training courses within protocols and these things are still under examination and discussion.

As always, we WILL be happy to see you and happy to serve you.

Learning Digitally

So Kudos and good for you…you’ve decided to explore some online training… terrific! This Brain work is # 2 on Psychology Today’s 10 Ways to Improve Your Brain Health.    As you begin to contemplate the requirements, time, and set-up for a great home learning experience, we have put together a few tips an for optimal learning environment.

8 Tips For Studying At Home Effectively:

  1. Try Active Studying. Active studying is as simple as asking questions   before, during, and after study time. 
  2. Get A Good Night’s Sleep
  3.  Study At The Right Time for You 
  4.  Have A Designated Study Area
  5. Eat Properly 
  6. Get Chores Out Of The Way 
  7. Create A Timetable
  8. Use A Timer

Whether you are learning for personal pleasure, wanting to enhance your career, planning a career shift or starting a side hustle, it’s clear… there are many options with varying degrees of difficulty to explore from home. Here are a few to get you started:

  1.  2000 Free Courses from Top Institutions~
    • Berkley, MIT, & Harvard to name a few Here: Edx
  2. UK’s Open Learn with over 900 courses
  3. Over 90 courses in a variety of topics :  GCF Learn Free 
  4.  Khan Academy
  5. Google   has a Digital Garage, grow your business or jump start your career!
  6. Digital Literacy from Microsoft 

With online learning we recommend Cybersafety first! Be sure to have a trusted computer security program working, never give payment options for FREE courses, and be sure to check out the site fully. See if it looks professional, has easy flow, and if you have to, google it and ask for reviews. Remember to be kind to yourself and check in with someone if your struggling to move through this new goal, timing is everything!  

Happy Learning Folks!

Online Learning: QUALITY~TRUSTED~FREE

We love sharing quality resources, especially when they are FREE!  Let’s think with the end in mind for a moment…

So folks when this is all over and you reflect on how you spent your time… Wouldn’t you like to say: “Tough times indeed, however I looked for Learning Opportunities.  I mean I had to invest in myself, for me and my career.”   This Pandemic is somewhat out of our control. How you use your time, the choices you make, and your ability to progress professionally while in a difficult time,  is a true sign of  Professionalism, Resiliency and Strength.  

Here are few Courses from Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety to Check out:

  • Canadian Centre For Occupational Health
    • Featured e-Courses:
      ~Mental Health: Awareness FREE! *Updated!*
      ~Mental Health: Health and Wellness Strategies FREE! *Updated!*
      ~Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs): Awareness FREE!
      ~Office Ergonomics FREE!
      ~Pandemic Awareness FREE!
      ~Pandemic Planning FREE

 

 

What we’re Working on.

Distant but Together… Beating COVID-19


A Message From Us!

Hello Princeton & District,

We are truly in a new time, and it is changing daily. We are working hard to ensure this website can be a trusted source for reliable information and employment supports .  Our physical office might be closed, but we are not OFF the job. Since we are not exempt from what is happening, we will use this website to unite us virtually.  Our commitment to you remains the same, just with some challenges.. Behind the scenes we are searching for job postings, employment resources, FREE online learning sources,  preparing communications, meeting with case managed clients virtually to assist with job search needs, preparing for some virtual workshops (more on that later), and continuing to provide WorkBC services as needed. We are mindful there may be layoffs locally, and that not everyone has a computer. To aid, for as long as possible, we will provide computer access, with limitations and modifications, BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.  Please note that there will be some screening questions to ensure safety.
Call us @ 250-295-4051 or email: reception@princetoncsc.com

Socially Distant Super Hero’s

Power Skills: Self- Care & Wellness

If we could truly enact our super powers to save the world in this Pandemic the evidence is clear; Social Distancing is Top Priority.  Sounds easy right? We are not so certain; after the first week of Netflix, Clorox Deep Cleaning, Hand washing fatigue, home cooking and yet another trivia game from your aunt on Facebook we suspect Social Distancing comes with a psychological fallout. Experts warn prolonged isolation during the pandemic may worsen or trigger mental health problems. Covid-19 universally boils down to Uncertainty, Unpredictability and CHANGE; and we know that Change especially when it’s unsubscribed can mean Stress!

While being Socially Distant Super Hero’s Self Care and Wellness need to be Job #1.  We know Stress can be made worse if we aren’t taking care of ourselves.  Now’s the time to lean on social supports, try to get enough sleep, eat healthy, exercise and engage in enjoyable activities.  Self care can no longer be a destination that we are constantly putting on our To-Do list, in these coming days its a matter of public service that we keep grounded and well!

Our hope is that you can access the tools and resources to self manage many aspects of your health and wellness so that you can continue to work or return to work, sharp and well. With the time to Amp up our mental health, Check out this easy to use and FREE guide from Peak Performance.

I know what your thinking… Self care and staying Calm sounds a little easier than it truly is. That’s why we have these additional resources and are happy to share them with you.  

BC’s Here to Help 

Canadian Mental Health Association 

Calm Blog

Mindful Exercises

 

 

 

 

 

CURIOUS CANNABIS CAREER SEEKERS & FUTURE SIDE HUSTLERS! *** apply today!

Happy Friday Princeton! Offering FREE training!! Last Call for MATRIX is now on! This will be our very last opportunity to offer this 6 week FREE training program to youth in Princeton. We have an ACTION packed training program planned for you. This session, we look at the Local Job Search, CANNABIS Careers and Exploring Small Business as a “Side Hustle”. We have partnered with Community Futures, Okanagan College and St Johns Ambulance as our trainers for 15 days of fully funded Professional Development. That’s well over $2000 in just training opportunities! PLUS… fuel allowances for those who travel or have to commute, even Daycare subsidies are available to those who are in need. The possibilities are endless with the labour market shortages coming up.
START Jan 21, 2019. To be eligible: Priority given to YOUTH -15-29 ( if not… still apply), Unemployed or Under Employed , and seeking work in a full time capacity. Available Mon- Fri: 9-4. Opportunities are a knockin… can you answer?

Hot Jobs with Envirogreen Technologies

Plant Mechanic/Millwright

Plant Operator

Site Labourer

Equipment Operator

Heavy Duty Mechanic

All comprehensive job descriptions and how to apply are posted on the Job Board at WorkBC.