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August 2011

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INSIDE From yoga teacher to YYoga founder 5 Demand for pharmacists up in B.C. 6 Health care workers in the community 8

expert advice Richard W. asks: “What should I ask at the end of an interview?” 7

Helping hand for job seekers 12

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Stretch out workplace stress 15

Working it out BY NOA GLOUBERMAN

anada’s fitness industry was worth over $2.1 billion last year. Metro Vancouver, it seems, takes a large slice of that (albeit lowfat) pie. According to StatsCan, British Columbians are tops in the country when it comes to living healthy lifestyles, working out regularly and participating in various physical activities. That’s good news if you’re thinking of becoming a personal trainer or yoga teacher. PERSONAL TRAINERS You’ve seen them working with clients individually or in groups, in gyms or outdoor settings. Andre Noel Potvin, president of INFOFIT Educators, says there’s a growing need for fitness trainers. “Recent labour statistics reported a 27% shortage of personal trainers with an increased public demand of 28%,” Potvin reveals. “Many large fitness clubs are in desperate need of personal trainers because they have such a large demand from their membership.” David Munro, faculty program manager at Douglas College’s Sports Institute – the largest

producer of BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA)-recognized courses for fitness professionals – agrees. “B.C. is a fairly healthy climate … so people are always looking to get in shape, recover from an injury or train for elite performance,” explains Munro. “Following the Olympics there was a bit of momentum in terms of healthy living. There were additional facilities built … that remain as a means of promoting a healthy community.”

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“Many large fitness clubs are in desperate need of personal trainers”

With its yoga teacher training certificate program, Langara College is one of few public post-secondary institutions offering college-certified training in yoga

– Andre Noel Potvin, president, INFOFIT Educators

Also, after the recession, “people were discovering they could get additional employment and income by being a personal trainer, even if it was just on the side. And the investment, just over $1,000 for our program, was better than going back to school for two to three years to open up other opportunities.”

While there’s no legislation requiring personal trainers to become certified with the BCRPA (the registering body in B.C.), Donna Hutchison, CEO of On the Edge Fitness Educators Inc., warns that “the trainer without any certification will not be insured and therefore liable.” Adds Potvin: “Most trainers need to use a fitness facility to work

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out of and these facilities, for liability purposes, require certification and insurance coverage documentation.” To become a BCRPA-registered personal trainer, you must complete the following steps (described in more detail and with fee information on the BCRPA website, www.bcrpa.bc.ca): • pass the BCRPA fitness theory

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examination; • obtain CPR and first aid certifications; • submit the BCRPA fitness leader – fitness theory registration form; • enrol in a weight training specialty module; • complete all weight training course requirements; • complete all weight training practicum and instructor competency evaluation requirements; • register with the BCRPA in weight training; • complete 20 beginner-level programs (i.e., resistance training, flexibility training or cardio training programs); • enrol in a personal training specialty module; • complete all personal training course requirements; • pass the BCRPA personal training exam; • complete all personal training instructor competency evaluation requirements; and • register with the BCRPA in personal training. The required programs are offered by BCRPA-approved training providers, including – among others – INFOFIT, Douglas College, On the Edge and Vancouver’s Inshape Training. “We offer training toward our local BCRPA registration as a personal training and group fitness instructor, but we’re also offering training for CFES certification, which is Canadian Fitness Education Services, our national certifisee Yoga, 2

August 2011

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Yoga teacher training programs a “growing market” in B.C. from Working, 1

cation,” says InShape owner/ operator Sandra Seary. “As well, these programs will prepare students for American certifications.” It may take from three months to two years to complete all of the requirements but, “once certified, you get your BCRPA certificate and have $2 million liability insurance, which is essential to be hired by any other association,” says Munro. “Imagine a weight room hiring someone without insurance – not likely.” Pay for personal trainers, he adds, varies. “Those working for facilities, the city or parks and recreation could be at an entry-level position: $16 to $18 per hour. Or they could move into a fitness programming role, which might be salaried and full time.” If you’re entrepreneurial, Munro says, “the sky’s the limit.” Some will train multiple clients simultaneously, at $40 an hour per client, but “that takes knowledge, being organized and well liked. People who start might be training at $25 per hour, but someone working in Yaletown or downtown businesses might charge $60. It really depends.” The challenge with selfemployment, however, is drumming up enough business for yourself. “You need to be a ‘go-getter’ … to promote and sell your services,” Potvin advises. “Most trainers don’t like to sell, nor do they possess the business skills to maintain a steady full-time training business.” In this sense, personality may be key. “The personality of a personal trainer is almost more important than their education,” says Hutchinson. “Of course, education is necessary and required, but the best personals trainers are ones that can really connect with their clients, have a high degree of empathy and understand the processes of behavioural change.” One thing’s for sure: personal training offers a plethora of job opportunities. “With our aging population and trend toward obesity, this is an excellent, rewarding and lucrative career,” Seary says. “I can’t say enough positive about it, and B.C. is the best place to do this in Canada … we are so

active here.” YOGA TEACHERS “The demand for yoga teachers is growing,” confirms Gloria Latham, owner of Semperviva Yoga Studios in Vancouver, which offers teacher training programs through its Semperviva Yoga College. “Teachers may find employment in yoga studios, teaching corporate yoga where they will visit offices to teach, in schools, outreach clinics … most are self-employed contractors.” “Now is an excellent time to become a yoga teacher,” agrees Naseem Gulamhusein, who co-ordinates the yoga teacher training certificate program at Langara College – one of few public post-secondary institutions offering college-certified training in yoga. “Teaching yoga is a growing profession brought about by the popularity of yoga and its broad range of health benefits within our society,” Gulamhusein adds. “Yoga teacher training programs are a growing market in B.C. and around the world.” Those best suited to the job, she notes, are positive, confident, energetic and compassionate, possess a commitment to the deeper meaning of yoga and, often, an interest in holistic health and healing. “Teaching yoga is a path of service, so it’s important to care more about the student than yourself,” echoes Latham. “There should be genuine passion for the practice and a true desire to share it.” Though she admits that “those who already have experience being in front of groups – teachers, dancers, actors – sometimes have an easier start to teaching … they don’t always make the best teachers in the long run because they’re used to being performers, which is very different from being a teacher.” Different styles of yoga, Latham adds, attract different teaching personalities. “For instance, Yin yoga is a quieter, more meditative practice, whereas Vinyasa Power Flow is more vibrant.” No matter what type you choose to teach, you must complete at least 200 hours of training to become a certified yoga instructor. The average cost: between $2,500

and $4,000. But beware: not all training providers are created equal. “There is currently no certification body for the profession of yoga,” explains Gulamhusein. “Many programs are registered through the American Yoga Alliance, which … isn’t a professional certifying body – only a yoga teacher and yoga school registry.” However, locally, “many private yoga training schools are now registered with the Private Career Training Institutions Agency of BC [PCTIA] to ensure consumer protection to students,” she says, adding that a qualified yoga teacher training program often includes:  a clear student admission process;  experienced (over 10 years) and expert instructors working in the field;  classroom hours and practicum experience;  comprehensive training and professional experience; and  a certification process with course objectives, learning outcomes and evaluation

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“Teaching yoga is a growing profession” – Naseem Gulamhusein, senior yoga teacher, Langara College

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methods. Once you have completed training you may begin teaching. Teachers, in general, are paid per class, and the rate can vary from $20 to $50 for newer teachers and up to $100 for more senior instructors. While there’s no personal limit to how much you can teach, Gulamhusein says one of the main challenges associated with being a yoga teacher is the competition you’ll face from others vying for work. The rewards, however, seem well worth it. “Yoga teacher training is much more than just ‘job training,’” Latham says. “It is an incredible journey of self-discovery. The practice will give you many tools to live a full and rich life, with a lot less stress. It’s the best personal development program I know of.” • nglouberman@biv.com

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August 2011

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SUCCESS STORY

Om work

How Lara Kozan went from yoga student to teacher to founding partner of one of the Lower Mainland’s largest yoga studio chains

While opening seven Lower Mainland studios in four years is no small feat, YYoga founding partner Lara Kozan won’t quit until she’s brought yoga to “as many people as possible”

BY NOA GLOUBERMAN

lthough Lara Kozan has long aspired to be an entrepreneur, she hasn’t always been into yoga. The latter only became a passion after she’d obtained degrees in psychology and business administration and moved to the West Coast from Saskatchewan in 1998. “I grew up doing dance and gymnastics, as well as fitness training,” says the founding partner of YYoga, which, since its launch in 2007, has opened numerous highly successful, upscale yoga studios around the Lower Mainland and offers yoga teacher training through its YYoga Teachers’ College in Vancouver. “Yoga wasn’t really on the radar until I got to Vancouver. But as soon as I

tried it I was hooked – I didn’t want to miss a single day of class.” Kozan’s enthusiasm for the ancient Indian discipline, which is said to offer myriad physical, mental and spiritual benefits, led her eventually to become a certified yoga instructor. Shortly thereafter she began offering a corporate yoga program to staff at Vancouver’s Nettwerk Music Group. Among the Nettwerk employees at Kozan’s classes was CEO Terry McBride, who not only discovered a love for yoga but also a budding business relationship with his instructor. “Terry was getting more and more serious about his practice, and we got to know each other really well over those three years,” Kozan says.

market? What could they offer to attract and retain more – and more varied – practitioners? “The market [in Vancouver] was fragmented at the time; [there were] a lot of small, single-discipline studios,” Kozan recalls, adding that many “mom and pop” yoga outfits seemed to struggle to attract clients from various walks of life, like men and new moms. “To us, the heart of yoga is the connection not only to self but also to others,” she says. “That led to this idea of a network of studios that do for yoga what Whole Foods did for the organic food industry: consolidate and connect.”

“He had sort of seen my trials and tribulations over having this idea “Yoga wasn’t really on the radar for opening my own studio here, and he knew that I had sort of let until I got to Vancouver. But as that dream die, especially after my grandmother, who meant the world soon as I tried it I was hooked” to me, passed away.” – Lara Kozan, Sensing that she could use a friend founding partner, as she struggled to come to terms YYoga with her grandmother’s death, McBride asked Kozan to dinner. Over Today all seven YYoga studios – the course of the meal the two discussed “how yoga made me feel, how in Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond it made Terry feel and wouldn’t it be and Whistler – aim to “provide a soamazing if we could somehow help cial centre where all are welcome and inspired to practise yoga, engage in more people to feel this way?” A studio, they decided, would wellness and … build relationships help them to achieve their goal. But and community.” To draw clients to their communhow would they differentiate themselves from other operations in Van- ity, Kozan and McBride developed a based onAM multiple couver’s seemingly saturatedPCU_NEXT_quater_runs_July.pdf yoga business strategy 1 7/15/2011 9:24:56

customer-service “sticking points.” Beyond a generous offering of yoga classes to suit all levels, each multistudio YYoga centre embraces a guest-focused approach, providing mat and towel service, complimentary shower products and wellness services like massage, acupuncture and reflexology – “everything that goes along with great service.” Now, along with McBride and the rest of the YYoga team, Kozan is eyeing expansion to Toronto – a city where the yoga scene, despite having access to a population twice the size of Vancouver’s, lags several years behind. Her reasons for continued growth, however, have to do with something much larger than profit. Rather, they remain intrinsically linked to her belief that “the more people that do yoga, the better the world will be.” “That’s the legacy I want to leave,” says Kozan, who nonetheless knows that, in order to bring yoga to as many people as possible, “you need the business to back that up.” “The balance of yoga and business is something I’m constantly striving to achieve,” she explains. “As our business grows, we have to stay rooted and connected to yoga, but we also want to continue to expand and be innovative. That’s how we’re going to successfully fulfil our dream.” • nglouberman@biv.com

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Growing pharmaceutical drug needs increasing demand for pharmacists in B.C.

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Higher-profile role raises profession’s allure for prospective students BY RICHARD CHU, BIV

Pharmacy among the fastest growing professions in B.C.

he growing use of medication in B.C. promises to keep pharmacy one of the province’s fastest-growing professions.

5,000

4,500

4,000

“There’s no sign that the Membership

3,500

demand for pharmacy services is easing off” – Marnie Mitchell, CEO, BC Pharmacy Association

Marnie Mitchell, CEO of the BC Pharmacy Association, says that the use of pharmaceuticals continues to grow by about 10% a year, partly because of rising rates of chronic diseases and the increased availability of drugs to treat them. She also notes, however, that while some of the increase might be attributable

3,000

2,500

2,000

Over the counter: new services will add to the demand for pharmacists and could increase the allure of the profession to prospective students, according to the BC Pharmacy Association

to conditions associated with an aging population, younger people are facing a growing number of chronic conditions ranging from hypertension and high cholesterol to Type-2 diabetes. “That part is a little concerning, but there are more

treatments available, so people are able to manage those conditions fairly effectively on the whole.” The growing need for medication has increased growth in the profession. Mitchell said that growth in the number of prescriptions

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dispensed in B.C. has continued to outpace growth in the number of new pharmacies, resulting in pharmacies being open longer hours and filling more prescriptions. The number of registered pharmacists in B.C. has risen by 23% over the past five years to 4,800 from 3,900 in 2006. The only other sectors growing faster include human resources and registered massage therapy (see story, page X). Both have grown 30% in the past five years. Accounting has also continued to see consistent growth. But another pharmacy growth driver is the expanding role of pharmacists in providing health services to B.C. residents. In ear-

2009

2010

2011

College of Pharmacists of BC

ly 2009, pharmacists were given the authority to renew prescriptions and, in some cases, to modify prescriptions originally written by a doctor. In the fall of 2009, pharmacists who completed a training and accreditation program were approved to administer drugs by injection. And, earlier this year, pharmacists were given the authority to consult with patients to give them a more comprehensive understanding about all the medications they may be taking and identify any issues that could arise from the use of those drugs. All of these new servi-

ces will likely add to the demand for pharmacists and could increase the allure of the profession to prospective students, according to Mitchell. “A lot of members are very enthusiastic about it, saying things like, ‘This is why I went into pharmacy,’” she says. “They’re excited about the opportunity. “I know the UBC faculty gets a very substantial number of applicants each year, and when you think about the importance of pharmaceutical products for so many of us for managing our health, there’s no sign that the demand for pharmacy services is easing off.” • rchu@biv.com

August 2011

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ASK AN EMPLOYMENT EXPERT

DEAN TREMAIN Richard W. asks: “What are some effective questions to ask at the end of an interview?”

he key to acing a job interview is to be prepared for all aspects of the meeting, especially when the interviewer asks if you have questions about the company. Rather than floundering at the end of each interview, look professional and put together by having a few questions ready to ask your interviewer ahead of time.

“Hiring managers and human resources staff are generally pleased to answer a handful of queries related to the position and company” Though there are no rules for how many questions you can or should ask at the end of an interview, employers, hiring managers and human resources staff are generally pleased to answer a handful

of queries related to the position and company. Remember: the questions you ask will reflect on both your personality and your research, so make sure you review the job posting, company website, investor relations information and other relevant materials before crafting your questions. You want to appear well-informed, intelligent and interested in learning more about the organization. In terms of specific questions, some best bets are: • What would be my dayto-day responsibilities in this position? • How would you describe the company’s work environment/corporate culture? • What do you enjoy most about working with this organization/department? • Can you describe the company’s organizational structure? • How and by whom will my performance be evaluated?

pany’s work environment?” can be turned into, “I read in your annual report that the company sponsors over 10 charity events each year, which is very inspirational. Is this a representation of the company’s beliefs and values? How would you describe the company’s corporate culture?” As you close your interview, remember that you want to leave a lasting impression. Certainly, this is your opportunity to find out more about the job, but it’s also a chance to showcase why you are the best candidate for the position. • An interview is your opportunity to find out more about the job, but it’s also a chance to showcase why you are the best candidate for the position

• What are the opportunities for training or professional development? • What is the biggest challenge facing the company/ industry right now? While these questions are helpful in understanding more about the position

and the company, you still need to stand out from the other candidates. In addition to asking each question, take initiative and encourage a conversation with the interviewer. This way the question-and-answer period will feel more relaxed and per-

sonable. Adding background information to each question is also important. Utilize the knowledge you gained from researching the company to add power and cause to the question. For example, “How would you describe the com-

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Making a difference

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Community health care and addictions services workers have a positive impact on the lives of others BY NOA GLOUBERMAN

ith the number of science-related jobs in B.C. set to grow 26% by 2019 – many in the health care and social assistance field – community health care and addictions services workers are in demand. We asked experts from CDI College, Stenberg College and the Vancouver College of Counsellor Training (VCCT), all three of which offer relevant training programs, to weigh in.” JOB DESCRIPTION “The terms addictions worker and community support worker cover a wide spectrum of employment experiences,” says VCCT executive director Lydia Manko. “Addictions workers usually help people recover from illnesses like drug abuse and alcohol dependency. The community support worker role depends on what type of people the worker is supporting and what setting they’re working in.” “It’s no accident that the job title includes the word

‘community,’ because, really, community-building is the cornerstone of this work,” adds Clare Hacksel, who developed Stenberg’s community mental health and addictions worker program curriculum. That, she says, could mean assisting a client in obtaining income assistance or simply going for coffee and hearing their story. “Some days you may be liaising with the hospitals or clinical teams to get someone into treatment, others you could be organizing barbecues and camping trips.” According to CDI’s website, addictions and community services workers may find work in group homes, mental health centres or correctional facilities. Community health care workers, on the other hand, often support people with physical and mental disabilities in group homes, longterm care settings and residential care. PERSONALITY TYPE Who best suits these jobs? “Someone with good communication, interpersonal and

problem-solving skills, as well as patience,” Manko replies. “Someone non-judgmental who can multitask, work well under pressure and perform many different roles.” “An ideal personality is someone who can hear people’s stories, be there for them when they’re in pain but also rejoice in everything that makes the community beautiful and wonderful,” Hacksel, who is also director of the Station Street housing project on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES) and a researcher with PHS Community Services Society. “There’s a lot of honest and genuine kindness in this community; being able to see that and celebrate it is an important skill.” CHALLENGES & REWARDS “Probably one of the biggest challenges with this type of work is learning to leave our own judgments, hopes and expectations at home,” Hacksel continues. “Once we realize it isn’t about fixing people but giving them the dignity and respect that they deserve, the job becomes incredibly rewarding.”

The terms addictions worker and community support worker cover a wide spectrum of employment experiences within the field of health care

That isn’t to say clients never get better. “They do, all the time, but not when it’s forced and not because some staff person said, ‘You’re broken and you need fixing,’” she says. “Only when we can show people some dignity, share with them some of our love and provide them with some space to just be do they start to do better.” Adds Manko: “These roles can involve helping people who are often going through a difficult time in their lives so they can be emotionally challenging. The roles may involve shift work or unsociable hours. But the rewards – being able to make a positive contribution to people’s lives and support the community – are high.” TRAINING & QUALIFICATIONS Les Merson, director of marketing and PR at Stenberg, says many employers looking to hire require that candidates possess at least two years of direct experience working in the mental health and addictions field, while some require a combination of work experience and education. However, “Stenberg College’s community mental health and addictions work-

er diploma program is 60 weeks in length, and both of our industry partners [PHS and Lookout Emergency Aid Society] will waive the twoyear work experience requirement and interview grads for immediate employment with their agencies,” he adds. Meantime, VCCT’s addictions worker certificate program, says Manko, will introduce you to the theory and skills applicable to working in various community support positions. “It introduces students to a range of substance abuse etiology and intervention models that include cultural factors, community, family and the individual,” she explains. “The courses are taught by therapists with specialized knowledge of substance abuse, its treatment and management.” At CDI, choose between an addiction and community services worker or community health care worker program, which vary between 43 and 50 weeks in length. CAREER OUTLOOK Our experts agree: now is a good time to consider becoming a community health care or addictions services worker in B.C.

LEARN MORE ➧ GET THE JOB You can help make NEXT the best carer training resource. Send your comments and suggestions to the address below:

Publisher Cheryl Carter Editor Noa Glouberman

“We believe the growing population and increased need for community support in addictions and youth and family areas will drive job growth,” says Manko. “The best prospects will be for those with good academic and practical skills, as this industry is moving toward a competencybased model.” “Between the BC Center of Excellence in HIV/AIDS, the Burnaby Centre for Mental Health and Addictions, Insite and many other progressive and effective programs, B.C. is leading the way in addictions and mental health treatment and research,” echoes Hacksel. “The more highly trained and skilled workers out there, the better the programs we can offer will be. That’s something everyone in B.C. can be proud of.”

“Community-building is the cornerstone of this work” – Clare Hacksel, researcher, PHS Community Services Society

FINAL WORD Interested in a career in community health care and addictions? Merson recommends attending Stenberg’s monthly info session and tour in the DTES, where you can speak with industry, clients and program advisers. (Visit www. stenbergcollege.com.) Manko adds, “if you’re thinking about this type of work but aren’t sure, volunteer placements are a great way to gain experience and decide whether or not this is the right career path for you. VCCT offers all students assistance finding volunteer placements.” (Visit www.vcct.ca.) Details about CDI’s addictions and community services worker and community health care workers programs may be found at www.cdicollege.ca. • nglouberman@biv.com

Reach a wide variety of adults, students and job seekers interested in further learning and upgrading their skills to advance their career prospects. Business in Vancouver Media Group, publishers of NEXT, offers post-secondary schools, career colleges, Members service providers a unique advertising vehicle to market full and part-time programs. Visit us at biv.com for more information

Sales Manager Deborah Hamilton Advertising Sales Kim De Wildt

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Graphics & Production Soraya Romão Distribution Manager Mark Mikiciuk

Accounting/Administration Angela Foster

102 East 4th Avenue, Vancouver B.C., V5T 1G2 ➧ Phone: (604) 688-8828 ➧ Fax: (604) 669-2154 E-mail: next@biv.com ➧ www.employmentinvancouver.com

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Is This Program For You?

Program Courses

In partnership with PHS Community Services Society and the Lookout Emergency Aid Society, this unique curriculum has been prepared to support individuals with mental heath challenges and addictions. Based on the input received from these industry partners, this program has been specifically designed to prepare students – philosophically, mentally/intellectually, emotionally, and experientially – for a successful career with longevity and the potential for advancement.

It is if you: are non-judgmental, mature and tolerant; like to support and encourage others; are interested in improving the quality of life for those with mental health challenges and addictions; are flexible and compassionate; can communicate equally well with clients, their families and healthcare professionals; have patience and can handle stress; can remain calm when others exhibit aggressive behaviour; want to have a career where you can truly make a difference in people’s lives.

Typical Job Duties

Program Admission Requirements

Community Mental Health & Addictions Workers assist individuals with mental health challenges, housing and addiction issues by encouraging and supporting them in their daily lives. They model, teach and support all functions of home life, daily living activities, leisure and recreation for improved quality of life for their clients. They provide assistance, support and skill training to adult men and women to establish and maintain a stable living situation, as independently as possible. They discuss, isolate and assess problems, develop a flexible plan of action, ensure basic needs are met, network clientele with needed services and provide crisis intervention as necessary. They also act as coordinators for volunteers.

• 19 years of age or older or completion of Grade 12. • Passing entrance exam and formal interview • Evidence of a minimum of 12 volunteer hours (community support / street level service experience) • A minimum of 2 years of sobriety for those with addiction issues • Acceptable criminal record check • Reference letter stating suitability to work with mental health clients.

• Orientation and Student Success Skills • Communications 100: Professional Communications in Mental Health & Addictions • Computer Science 100: Computer Fundamentals & Applications • Occupational Health 100: Creating the Safe Environment & Self Care: Setting Boundaries, Staying healthy & Dealing with Vicarious Trauma • Sociology 100: Introduction to Communities & Wellbeing • Sociology 101:Social Inequality, Health & Power I, II, & III • Sociology 200: Understanding Poverty: Economics vs. Experience, What’s the Difference • Public Policy 100: Comparative National Housing Strategies • Psychology 110: Human Development Across the Lifespan • Psychology 120: Mental Health & Psychosocial Rehabilitation • Sociology 220: Youth Homelessness • Psychology 200: Life Skills Mentoring • History 100: Canadian Aboriginal History, History of the Downtown Eastside and Urban Poverty • Women’s Studies 100: Gender, Power & Poverty • Health 200: Health in the Downtown Eastside I & II • Public Policy 110: Drug Policies, Theories of Addiction and a History of the Four Pillars Approach • Psychology 210: Motivational Interviewing • Psychology 250: Advanced Motivational Interviewing • Psychology 220: Seeking Safety: Treatment for PTSD & Substance Abuse • Psychology 230: Assessment & Resources • Pharmacology 100: Basic Pharmacology in Mental Health & Substance Abuse • Psychology 240: Concurrent Disorders • Communications 200: Ethics & Case Management • Public Policy 210: Understanding Government Agencies/ Resources • Public Policy 220: Policy Recommendations • Professional Development 110: Career Search Strategies • Practicum

Potential Employment After graduating from the Community Mental Health & Addictions Program, you’ll be qualified for employment as a: Community Support Worker; Social Service Worker; Mental Health Worker; Drop-in Worker; Outreach Worker; Community Liaison Worker; Addictions Worker; Tenant Support Worker; Shelter Resource Worker; Child & Youth Worker; Employment Resource Worker; Employment Counsellor; Volunteer Coordinator; Case Manager; Recreational Activities Leader. etc

Wages and Career Outlook Based on recent employment statistics gathered by Stenberg College, the average starting wage for students who have completed this type of program and are working in their field of study is $18+ per hour.

Duration and Financing Duration: 60 weeks, including practicum Financing: You could be eligible for ELMS funding, government student loans and other financing options; the Stenberg College Financial Aid Officer would be happy to provide further assistance.

Additional Certification(s) The program also includes the following essential industryrelated training and certification: Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS; FOODSAFE Level One; Standard First Aid - CPR/HCP/AED; and Non-Violent Crisis Resolution. Responding carefully to the needs of today’s employers, a series of Personal and Professional Development Workshops have been integrated throughout the program to develop critical thinking and soft skills. Workshops include Self-Awareness & Listening Skills, Exploring Values & Beliefs, Stress Management, Giving & Receiving Feedback, Leadership, Time Management Skills and Interview Skills.

Apply for a full tuition scholarship

Change your life today!

In partnership with:

604-580-2772

•

www.stenbergcollege.com

Over 94% of our grads are working in their field of study within 6 months of graduation

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REWARDING CAREERS ARE NEVER HANDED TO YOU. AT CDI COLLEGE, WE’LL HELP YOU EARN ONE. CDI College has been helping people like you launch successful careers for more than four decades. Choose from over 90 market-driven programs in Business, Art & Design, Technology and Health Care. A rewarding career can be in the palm of your hand – you just have to want it.

PRACT ICAL NURSI - Just NG one of m health care ca any re program s at CD er I Colle ge.

Canada’s Leading Career Training Provider.

To get started today, visit study.cdicollege.ca or call 1.888.654.4181

f facebook.com/CDICollege t twitter.com/CDICollege Y youtube.com/CDICareerCollege m myspace.com/CDICollege

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Your best job prospects

ITTI

Immigrant Trades Training Initiativ Initiative Assisting immigrants towards their trade certification in B.C.

High-demand careers, now and 10 years down the line

Find your Trade Route to a Better Future

Are you: • Permanent Resident of Canada? • Unemployed and ineligible for Employment Insurance? • Currently employed but lacking • Local credentials, or • Full-time hours, or • Essential skills? If your answer is “YES” to any one of these questions, this project might be for you!

With an aging workforce, the demand for such skilled tradespersons as welders is strong and not

Contact: Bruce Ratcliffe Email: bruce.ratcliffe@success.bc.ca Cell: 604.218.5162 Office: 604.517.0884 Fax: 604.517.517.1918 Website: www.success.bc.ca/itti

vided by the Industry Training Authority, through the Labour ment between the Governments of British Columbia and Canada likely to go away for some time

f you’re thinking about a new career path, you’re likely wondering what jobs are in currently in high demand – and will continue to be in the next 10 years or so. Here’s what the Canadian Nurses Association found. NURSE With an aging population, the demand for nurses has never been stronger. Nurses will find a broad range of work in the extensive health care services industry, as well as the home health care industry. Registered nurses require a college or university degree. Diploma programs are also available for those wanting to become nursing assistants or licensed practical nurses. HR SPECIALIST The need for human resource professionals is expected to remain high, as companies place more emphasis on hiring and retaining quality employees in order to compete effectively in the global marketplace. Individuals wishing to enter the HR management field need to obtain either a bachelor’s degree or MBA with a concentration in the field. SOFTWARE ENGINEER There’s an increasing need for talented programmers to design, write and test an array of software for operating systems, video games, busi-

ness information systems and smartphones. S of t w a re eng i ne er s should possess a university degree in computer science. NETWORK DATA ANALYST Network data analysts design, build, maintain and monitor the systems that allow communication over the web. The job prospects are projected to remain high as businesses become increasingly dependent on the Internet. Network data analysts require, at minimum, a twoyear diploma. Those wanting to move to the top of the profession should obtain a bachelor’s degree in computer science.

SKILLED TRADESPERSON With an aging workforce, the demand for skilled tradespersons is strong and not likely to go away for some time. Also, the skilled trades have been stigmatized as a viable career option, with students pressured to go to university instead. This is unfortunate, as many skilled trades offer excellent compensation that is usually above the national average. Skilled trades currently in high demand include industrial mechanics, industrial electricians, building trades, steel and iron trades and welders. Becoming a skilled tradesperson requires the successful completion of an apprenticeship.

PHARMACIST With elderly Canadians representing a higher proportion of the population, the need for more pharmacists is inevitable. Plus, people today require greater attention from pharmacists when it comes to identifying and resolving medicationrelated issues. Pharmacists will find work in hospitals, industry, government, local community pharmacies and education and research. Individuals who want to work in this field need a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, the successful completion of the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada exam and practical experience through an internship.

ACCOUNTANT & AUDITOR The accounting and auditing profession will continue to be in strong demand as financial information becomes increasingly more complex to gather, analyze and report. The recent recession sparked a need for more financial professionals who can ensure corporations are in compliance with financial regulations. Auditors will continue to play pivotal roles in attesting to the integrity of financial information. For those interested in accounting/auditing, obtaining a designation such as CA, CMA and CGA will ensure the best path to success. •

Funding provided by the Industry Training Authority, through the Labour Market Agreement between the Governments of British Columbia and Canada

Vancouver School Board Building Service Worker Diploma

A full time program designed for those who wish to enter the building service industry. Training includes all aspects of sanitation and cleaning operation of equipment, correct application of chemicals, WHMIS, operating your own cleaning business and two weeks of on-the-job training with industry professionals. Topics also include: stripping and buffing floors, waxing, wall washing, washroom and window cleaning, fire prevention, carpet cleaning and equipment training.

Next Program begins Monday, September 26, 2011 Free Information Sessions Available: Education Centre, 1580 W. Broadway 10:00am - 11:00am Tuesday, August 9, 2011 Thursday, August 25, 2011 Wednesday, September 14, 2011

To obtain information or to pre-register for a FREE INFORMATION SESSION, please call: 604-713-4500 or visit: www.continuinged.ca

August 2011

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Work ware BY NOA GLOUBERMAN

ake no mistake – employment agencies provide invaluable services to those looking for work. Unfortunately, all the skills training and resumé writing in the world won’t help you land a job if you don’t have a phone number to put on your CV, a clean shirt to wear to an interview or the right gear for, say, a construction site. Luckily, several Lower Mainland organizations provide the basic items – business attire, work gear and even voice mail – that, frequently taken for granted, are often key to gaining meaningful employment. “To you they might be an old pair of boots or shoes, but to our customers they really are a hand up,” says Lani Johnson, vice-chair of the Working Gear Clothing Society – a volunteer-run organization that provides low-income men reentering the workforce with clothing and footwear free of

charge. “These men for the most part are on welfare and are actively seeking full-time employment but, with just enough money to live on, the added pressure and expense of buying boots and clothing can lead to discouragement for many.” Even thrift stores, says Johnson, are beyond the means of many Working Gear clients. “When you’re living day to day, barely scraping by, that small amount for a secondhand item from Value Village can mean the difference between sleeping in a shelter and spending the night in the cold,” she stresses. “There are a lot of organizations and clothing stores in the Downtown Eastside, but no one does what we do. We really help these men look sharp and professional as they begin working to change their lives.” Since opening in November 2007, the non-profit has

Dominic Schaefer

Sometimes, providing the most basic items can be key to helping people gain employment

Volunteer stylist Natalie Clarke and Dress for Success program co-ordinator Lucia Crosson consider a piece of colourful clothing at the agency’s downtown office

helped over 700 men – men like Brian Tully, who, after decades of alcohol addiction, finally made the decision to turn his life around. “I was a functional alcoholic – extremely functional. I could always go to work,” the 52-year-old admits. “But alcohol is a great dissolvent. It dissolves relationships, teeth, jobs, money – it dissolves everything.” After hitting rock bottom about two years ago, Tully

7TH ANNUAL

MEGA JOB FAIR

AND TRAINING SOLUTIONS THURSDAY, JULY 21st, 2011 Looking for work? Want to upgrade your skills? Numerous employers & training centers will be attending the PICS MEGA JOB FAIR!

North Surrey Recreation Centre 10275 - 135th Street, Surrey 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (near Surrey Central Skytrain Station)

Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS) www.pics.bc.ca • Fax: 604-596-7721

604-596-7722

Ext. 125

has been slowly rediscovering his purpose. Hoping to work in gerontology, the father of three was set up with a Working Gear appointment, during which he received a pair of DKNY dress pants, shirts, a coat, tie and a dressy wool scarf he says “completes the outfit.” “It was a really good experience … and [the volunteers] are really great,” he recalls. “Working with seniors full time … I’ll be happy. I don’t have huge plans, it’s not about money anymore – it’s about being content.” “We want these men to not only look the part but also to begin to feel real change taking place within,” adds Johnson. “When a customer leaves feeling confident and standing a little taller – that’s the payoff for us initially. When we later hear that they landed full-time employment and are doing well, there’s no better feeling. It’s such a success story.” A new outfit, agrees Deborah Twocock, is just the tip of the iceberg. The executive director of Dress for Success Vancouver – a charity that provides professional attire to low- and no-income women seeking employment – describes the business suits, shoes, pantyhose and purses that line the racks in her agency’s downtown space as the “dangling carrots” that get clients in the door. “Once they’re here and feeling more confident and empowered by their new look we can say, hey, we’ve got these other great programs to help you beyond the first interview,” she explains. “The suits we give symbolize our faith in every woman’s ability to succeed, but the services we offer bolster that faith by providing ongoing support to help them build a successful career.” Clients who have returned

to the workforce can become members of Dress for Success’ Professional Women’s Group or Breakfast Club – programs that meet regularly to network and learn about workplace conduct, personal finance and communication. Former participants are also encouraged to – and often do – assist new referrals. “One of the people we dressed, who then went through our Professional Women’s Group and then became a mentor, is now in a position to donate a scholarship to our program,” Twocock says.

“There’s nothing more important for people in crisis and transition than being able to help themselves. That is the most fundamental way for anyone to effect change in their life” – James Foster, project manager, Community Voice Mail program

“We had [another] girl come in carrying one beautiful suit in a garment bag. She said, ‘You gave me this suit, and I don’t need it anymore. I just wanted to pass the karma on to someone else.’ When our clients become our community of help, it’s really quite cool.” While James Foster can’t offer silk suits or steel-toed boots to his clients, the project manager for Vancouver’s Community Voice Mail (CVM) program, launched in 2010 by Lu’ma Native Housing Society, is able to provide private phone numbers and

personal voice mail boxes – tools he claims are critical to job-search success. “Imagine applying for work and not being able to give a number where you can be reached, or having to rely on the shelter you’re staying at to take messages for you,” he explains. “It’s a critical piece of the employment puzzle that most of us take for granted.” The program – the first of its kind in Canada – distributes batches of phone numbers to frontline organizations and community caseworkers, who then assign them, free of charge, to clients as they see fit. After the initial 500 live, local numbers literally flew off the shelves, CVM purchased 500 more to meet the growing demand. “An important aspect of this program is, because the phone number is local and the greeting is in the client’s own voice, there’s no poverty stigma attached to it,” Foster says. “They can confidently give that number to a prospective employer … and they won’t be alerted to this person’s situation.” Clients keep their voice mail accounts for an average of six months (at which point the number is recycled and reassigned), and Foster says 70% of users report having achieved at least one of their planned goals by the time they exit the program. “The program is a huge success because it helps people who already work in the community to do their jobs better – they have a useful tool to help people help themselves,” he says. “There’s nothing more important for people in crisis and transition than being able to help themselves. That’s the most fundamental way for anyone to effect change in their life.” • nglouberman@biv.com

learn more â&#x17E;§ get the job CDI_NEXT_ad4of4_IT runs July, August.pdf 1 7/15/2011 11:38:28 AM

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You want a better life. Job satisfaction. Financial security. Respect. You want to help others.

Change your life today Cardiology Technologist

Practical Nursing

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) has granted this program its highest accreditation status, a 6 year accreditation.

We offer Free Biology 12!

Community Mental Health & Addictions Worker

Psychiatric Nursing

In partnership with PHS Community Services Society and the Lookout Emergency Aid Society, the unique curriculum for this program has been prepared to support individuals with mental heath challenges and addictions. Entry level wages range from $18.03 to $19.72/hr. Apply for a full tuition scholarship today.

There is an urgent need for more Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPN) in BC. The only program of its kind in BC, students can learn within their local communities via distance education, local and/or regional clinical placements, and some regional classroom delivery. Entry-level earnings start at $29/hr. This 23 month program is recognized by the CRPNBC.

Early Childhood Educator

Special Education Assistant

“The most important job in the world.” According to the 2008 ECE Registry Survey commissioned by the BC Ministry of Children & Family Development, the average wage for Early Childhood Educators in BC is $17.43/hr. Graduates may qualify for $3000 bursary though the BC Family Child Care Association.

Our program includes training and certification from the Provincial Outreach Program for Autism & Related Disorders (POPARD). Two POPARD courses are offered in this program: Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders & Introduction to Applied Behaviour Analysis. Starting wage for Special Education Assistants is approx. $22/hr. Starting wage for Special Education Assistants is approx. $22/hr.

Health Care Assistant (formerly Resident Care Attendant / Home Support) Make a difference in the lives of others! Graduates will be registered with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry which will allow you to work in government funded health care facilities. The starting wage for Health Care Assistants is $17 - $21/hr.

Professional Studies for working healthcare professionals • Advanced Leadership Skills for LPNs • Immunization Skills Workshop • Phlebotomy Course

FREE College Preparatory program and ongoing ESL support.

Hospital Support Specialist Work in hospital and healthcare administration as an Admitting/Registration Clerk, Health Records Clerk, Diagnostic Imaging Clerk, Hospital Switchboard Operator, Medical Secretary and much more. Entry level wages from $18.16 - $21/hr.

You may be eligible for government student loans and funding.

Medical Laboratory Assistant This program has been reviewed and approved by British Columbia Society of Laboratory Science and exceeds their requirements in many areas. The wage range of Stenberg MLA grads working in their field of study is $18.04 - $23.70 per hour.

Medical Office Assistant Consider a rewarding career in healthcare administration or expand your career options as a Hospital Support Specialist (see above).

Nursing Unit Clerk Nursing Unit Clerks, originally known as ward clerks and sometimes referred to as Nursing Unit Coordinators, act as the anchors of patient care departments. The average wage for Stenberg grads is $20.77/hr. plus 12.2% in lieu of benefits.

“The teachers and staff at Stenberg were very supportive throughout my entire program … Working towards completion of this program requires a lot of hard work but because everyone in the class cooperates and encourages each other to succeed, it helped me a lot.”– Amanda P.

604-580-2772 · www.stenbergcollege.com Over 94% of our grads are employed in their field of study within 6 months of graduation.

August 2011

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STRETCH OF THE DAY

DR. MICHAEL HOROWITZ Stretching can soothe workplace stress

o you suffer from headaches, neck pain, tense shoulders, poor concentration or back pain? How about workplace stress? Welcome to the club. These conditions, unfortunately, are part of most people’s experience on a dayto-day basis at work. Occupational and postural stress “syndromes” are endemic and practically unavoidable in our workplace environments. Most chiropractors will say the same thing: “It’s not traumatic injury patients we see most, it’s the nine-tofivers.” But do we really have to live with it? The answer is, “Absolutely not!” Stress is all around us in the workplace, and the body has a tendency to absorb it in the form of muscular and spinal tension. In fact, accumulation of enough tension will ultimately lead to discomfort and/or pain. You have a choice to reach for medications to numb the symptoms or to try to find the source of those symptoms. While masking symp-

toms with medication may be a “quick fix,” ultimately those symptoms will come back because the core root of the problem has not been solved.

“It’s not traumatic injury patients we see most, it’s the nine-to-fivers” The key is to minimize this accumulation of stress and tension. The best way to do this is two-fold. First, look for ways to improve your posture in the workplace. This is called ergonomics – the science of fitting the human body to the work environment. Second, f ind ef fective ways of releasing this stress/tension. By combining chiropractic checkups, regular physical exercise and routine stretching to your daily activities, you are in essence practicing good spinal hygiene – the equivalent of dental hygiene but for your musculoskeletal system.

You can minimize the accumulation of stress and tension at work by combining chiropractic checkups, regular physical exercise and routine stretching to your daily activities

Dentists, after all, encourage you to brush (equivalent to exercise) and floss (comparable to stretching) your teeth and come in for occasional dental checkups (chiropractic tune-ups). We certainly put a lot of effort into maintaining the health of our teeth – as we should – but there is no structure more essential to the hu-

Accelerate

man body than the spine and nervous system. W hich stretches are best? Check out the “Stretch of the Day Series” at www. vancouverchiropractic.net/ Stretch-of-the-Day – a list of 30-plus stretches most often recommended to our own patients. Each session in the series is intended to help you release stress and tension

from the most commonly stored spots in the body. For a more specific program to release stored occupational and postural stress and tension, contact your chiropractor. He or she will be able to combine treatment with recommendations on nutritional, activity and postural modifications. •

your

Michael Horowitz is a Vancouver chiropractor who runs a multidisciplinary practice that includes a team of chiropractors, registered massage therapists, acupuncturists, personal trainers and custom orthotic services. Reach him at Hycroft Chiropractic & Massage: 604733-7744, info@vancouverchiropractic.net. or www.vancouverchiropractic.net.

career

Get what you need to succeed, enrol in a Supply Chain Management program.

C O L U M B I A

Supply Chain Management Professional

I N S T I T U T E

P MAC

PURCHASING MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION OF CANADA

August 2011

All

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c Coast Community College Health Care Assistant Students receive an

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YES GRADUATES KEEP THEIR IPAD

Next Class starts August 22nd

Hurry and sign up for the next intake! • 27 Weeks - hands-on and clinically focused Program • 7 Certificates including St. John’s First Aid & CPR,WHMIS, Foodsafe, Diabetes, Footcare, and Medication Administration • 3 practicums prepare you to work in a variety of Healthcare settings • Job placement assistance provided to all graduates

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604-730-1106