Celebrating Our Impact: WorkLink’s Legacy of Support

During the giving season, we wanted to reflect on the journey the WorkLink Employment Society has undertaken since its founding in 1978. Over the years, with the support of our community, we have achieved significant milestones dedicated to connecting individuals with meaningful employment and empowering communities. 

  

 

Employment Programs 

Since 1978, we have delivered 32 employment and training projects, each designed to equip individuals with the skills and resources necessary to thrive in the workforce. One of our first employment programs for job seekers launched in 1978, Employment Assistance Service (EAS), which provided job seekers with employment and training services, including access to an employment resource centre equipped with phones, job postings, and various resource materials. Since our expansion of services to Sooke to Port Renfrew regions in 2008, we are proud to have supported 23,000 community members through our employment services and resources.  

 

Workshops  

Our workshops have provided an invaluable service to local job seekers, allowing them to learn various skills, from resume and interview skills to financial literacy. In 2023 alone, we hosted 194 workshops, providing our participants with hands-on training and essential skills. Our workshops aim to support local job seekers to ensure they are well-prepared to enter the job market. 

 

Outreach  

WorkLink offers individualized outreach services to First Nations communities across south Vancouver Island. In 2023, we conducted 62 outreach visits, bringing our services directly to those communities. By meeting community members where they are and tailoring our services, we can better understand their employment needs.

 

Events  

Community engagement is at the heart of what we do through in-person and virtual events ranging from job fairs to information sessions with local employers. Between 2019 and 2024, we welcomed over 3,440 event attendees and hosted over 60 events, fostering connections and networking opportunities. We aim to create environments fostering learning, collaboration, and growth, hoping attendees will find meaningful employment. 

 

Economic Development 

WorkLink is committed to leading economic development initiatives and supporting the community’s local businesses. WorkLink is proud to be a member of the Port Renfrew Economic Development Task Force, which oversees the development, support, and collaborative relationships to promote business, including the Port Renfrew Visitor Information Centre, which opened in 2021. The Visitor Centre provides a safe and accessible space for visitors for local information, and in 2023, it welcomed over 1,980 visitors. 

 

Looking Ahead 

As we celebrate these accomplishments, we recognize that our work is far from over. Each number represents a story—someone who gained confidence, learned new skills, or found a job that changed their life. We invite you to continue this vital work during the giving season. Your donations will directly support our programs and help us expand our reach to even more community members. You can learn more about our impact and how to donate on our website here: https://worklink.bc.ca/our-impact/