Current Programs

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Assisting with awareness regarding employment typically involves programs aimed at educating, preparing, and connecting individuals with opportunities in the job market. By implementing these programs, the AWARE Society can play a crucial role in empowering individuals, reducing unemployment rates, and contributing to economic growth and social well-being within the community.

Here is a list of our Current Programs:

Fraser Works Co-op

The WorkBC Employment Services Centre (ESCs) offer a full range of free job search and career planning programs and resources for unemployed British Columbians. The ESCs provide services including case management, employment counseling, and workshops. These skills help job seekers find and keep employment.The services can help job seekers improve resumes, write strong cover letters, enhance interviewing and networking skills, and explore various career options that are suitable for you. Depending on the situation, the ESCs can also help clients apply for other government programs such as self-employment, apprentices, training, and wage subsidy.

Fraser Works Co-op also has a Memorandum of Agreement with Aunt Leah’s to provide services to youth at risk. The Co-op also delivers services to clients of Purpose Society as well as students from the POWER/Stigma program which is the alternative program at New Westminster Secondary School. Fraser Works provides outreach services to Union Gospel Mission, New Leaf Clubhouse and the New Westminster Public Library. Fraser Works is a member of several community groups such as Local Immigrant Partnerships, New West Welcoming and Inclusive Committee, Immigrant Employment Council, Rotary Club, Homelessness task force, MOSAIC customized employment services, Douglas College and Innovate New West.

Fraser Work’s Co-op has extensive relationships with municipal governments, from initiatives for youth employment assistance to participating in city task forces and community groups. Fraser Works has an established and consistent relationship with both the provincial government and federal government. As funders for our program they have been instrumental in ensuring that services have been accessible and free.

Fraser Works Burnaby Employment Service Centre
7297 Kingsway, Burnaby
Phone: 604 636-1124
Website: www.fraserworks.ca

Fraser Works New Westminster Employment Service Centre
2nd Fl., 519 7th Street, New Westminster
Phone: 604 522-9701
Website: www.workbccentre-newwestminster.ca/
Email: info-newwestminster@workbc.ca

AWARE Society, Fraser Works, and WorkBC New Westminster offer a variety of resources to support Indigenous youth. Click below to view a video about WorkBC’s resources.

Social & Community Service Worker - Funded Program

FREE Social & Community Service Worker Certificate Program

For New Westminster, Surrey & Burnaby applicants

AWARE Society is partnering with Discovery Community College to offer a funded 30-week certificate program. The Social & Community Service Worker certificate prepares graduates to work in a personal support role in a variety of community settings.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

  • Must be an unemployed or underemployed B.C. resident legally entitled to work in Canada
  • Must have established a regular EI claim or parental claim in the past 10 years OR be in receipt of BCEA or PWD benefits
  • Must be referred by a WorkBC Employment Service Centre Case Manager
  • Undergo a Criminal Record Check prior to program start date

PROGRAM INCLUDES:

  • Orientation Week
    • DCC Policy & Procedure
    • Financial Literacy & Intro to Computers
  • Foundation Certificates:
    • Standard First Aid
    • FoodSafe
    • Provincial Violence Prevention
    • Gentle Persuasive Approach
    • Learning Hub Certification
  • Social & Community Service Worker theory courses
  • 100-hour practicum placement

Program start date: March 9, 2026

Please contact Karel:

Community Support Worker: Education Assistant & Community Mental Health Worker - Funded Program

AWARE Society is offering a training opportunity in partnership with Discovery Community College funded by the B.C. Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills’ Community Workforce Response Grant. This 39 week Community Support Worker – Education Assistant & Community Mental Health certificate training prepares graduates to work in a variety of social and community settings as mental health / support workers and as education / teacher assistants.

Program Training Dates: September 15, 2026 to July 2, 2027

For New Westminster, Surrey & Burnaby applicants

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

  • Be Canadian citizens, permanent residents or protected persons (as designated under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act) entitled to work in Canada.
  • Be at least 16 years old as of the training start date.
  • Reside in B.C.
  • Have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
  • Be unemployed, or employed, including full-time, part-time, seasonally, casually, or precariously

PROGRAM INCLUDES:

  • Orientation Week
    • DCC Policy & Procedure
    • Financial Literacy & Intro to Computers
  • First Aid & FoodSafe Level 1
  • Education Assistant & Mental Health Theory Courses
  • 100-hour Practicum Placement

Contact AWARE Society: info@awaresociety.bc.ca or 604-553-8582