THE EDGE PROGRAM

Please be advised The Vancouver Edge Job Club Program will be closed as of January 31, 2011. IAM Cares Society would like to express their thanks to services providers and other community agencies for their support over the past 4 yrs.

For other IAM Cares Services please contact:

  1. North Vancouver 604-990-0800
  2. Coquitlam 604-468-7301
  3. Surrey EDGE Job Club program 604-580-2226

The EDGE program is a FREE job search skills program for unemployed or underemployed individuals with with persistent health issues and/or a disability who are seeking employment and would benefit from the assistance of a Professional Marketing Specialist.

What Makes the EDGE Different?


  • Two options and two locations to serve you better
  • – Surrey and Vancouver sites both easily accessed by public transit
  • Graduated program hours (click here for a definition of Graduated hours)
  • Includes discussion of employment issues specific to persons with adisability and/or chronic condition, including disclosure and accommodations
  • Adaptive technology and equipment is available on-site
  • No medical documentation or designation required
  • Surrey location offers Job Search Skill Building Workshops each morning with afternoons fully dedicated to active job search (after week one development of targeted resumes and covering letters)
  • Connect with a Professional Marketing Specialist as early as the second week of the four week program
  • Parking reimbursement provided to registered clients attending the Surrey EDGE Job Club
  • Transportation support may be available to and from the Vancouver Job Club


 



Benefits of Attending the EDGE Job Club


  • You will learn how to conduct a successful, self-directed job search
  • You will learn how to develop effective high impact resumes and cover letters
  • You will learn winning techniques for successful interviews
  • If needed, you will receive basic computer training for job search purposes (i.e. word processing, internet searches, setting up free email accounts and learning how to work with on line application forms)
  • You will receive some basic computer training for job search purposes (i.e. word processing, internet searches and how to email your resume)
  • Free telephone, fax, photocopying, computer and internet access
  • You will be provided support every step of the way from resume development to interview preparation and negotiating job offers
  • You will have access to a team of friendly, knowledgeable professionals that are committed to helping you reach your goals


 

Who is Eligible?

To be eligible for our program you must have a disability and/or persistent health condition that impacts your employment choices or daily living activities. Individuals must be ready, willing and able to commit to engaging in an active job search process.

Some examples include:

  • Learning difficulties
  • Back problems
  • Muscle related conditions
  • Arthritis
  • Vision or hearing impairment
  • Anxiety or depression
  • Mobility impairment
  • Chronic pain
  • Fatigue
  • *Medical documentation is not required to participate in our program

Not sure if you would be eligible? Call us today to speak with an employment specialist who can help you determine if the EDGE Job Club is the right program for you!


Surrey EDGE Job Club: 604-580-2226

 

Funder Information

The EDGE Job Club is funded in whole or part through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement

For More Information

Please contact one of our Employment Specialists at the location nearest you or speak with a local Service Provider, Employment Resource Center or Case Manager.

Surrey EDGE Job Club
202-10070 King George Highway
Surrey, BC V3T 2W4
TEL: (604) 580-2226
FAX: (604) 580-2228
TTY: (604) 580-2227
christinek@iamcares.ca

 





DEFINITIONS

Underemployed - refers to working people who work less than 20 hours a week and not fully utilized within the workforce. For example, a person with a master's degree in public relations working as a bus driver or a foreign trained engineer working as a retail clerk. Another excellent example of an underemployed labour pool involves people with disabilities. The British Columbian trades sector is experiencing a significant and sustained skill shortage. This skill shortage is affecting economic growth and job creation. Yet skilled trades people with disabilities still go without work creating an unique underemployed labour pool. »» to top

Service Provider - A program, like the Surrey Edge Program, funded in part or in whole by Service Canada, that an ERC or Case Manager can refer a participant to support you in your job search. There are a number of Service Providers within the Lower Mainland offering job search support but only the Surrey Edge Program offers a fully funded, structured job search program for people with disabilities or chronic illness. »» to top

Employment Resource Centre (ERC) - ERC are Service Canada designative offices whereby unemployed or underemployed persons can register for referral to an Employment Assistant Program (such as the Surrey Edge Program). The purpose of the Employment Assistant Program is to assist the participant with a supported job search. If you are Not registered with an ERC, please contact the Surrey Edge Program for a quick telephone interview so we can point you in the right direction. »» to top

Case Manager (CM) - When you register with an ERC, you will meet with a Case Manager who will work with you to explore your options as an unemployed person including any needs determination specifics to better support you in your job search activities. The role of the case manager is not to find you a job rather to ensure you have the tools necessary to become an independent job seeker. »» to top

Graduated Hours - refers to the gradual increase in the expected number of hours a participant will spend per week in the classroom. In the first week, participants can expect three hours per day of in classroom instruction with up to two coffee breaks. In the second week, participants can expect five hours a day with an hour off for lunch and two coffee breaks. In the third and fourth weeks, expect to attend class for six hours with an additional hour lunch and coffee breaks.

  Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
Week 1 2 Hours 3 Hours 3 Hours 3 Hours 3 Hours
Week 2 5 Hours 5 Hours 5 Hours 5 Hours 5 Hours
Week 3 6 Hours 6 Hours 6 Hours 6 Hours 6 Hours
Week 4 6 Hours 6 Hours 6 Hours 6 Hours 6 Hours

»»to top

Marketing Specialist - the role of the marketing specialist is to assist you in your job search activities for up to 12 weeks upon completion of the classroom portion of the program. Most marketing specialists will provide job ads for the participant to consider. However, here at the Edge Program, our marketing specialist will go the extra mile to help connect you with a viable job. The marketing specialist is available to help negotiate wages and job duties, as well as, provide an initial day of on-the-job placement assistance. The marketing specialist will also assist in the coordination of wage subsidy placements, while explaining how your disability may affect your job duties and how to overcome any possible limitations. »» to top







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