Emerging Career Practitioner

of the Year

 

Kelli Paddon

Job Coach/Vocational Counsellor/Employment Advocate

Community Living of British Columbia

 

Kelli has developed a successful youth employment transition pilot program for Community Living of BC that grew, earned significant recognition and permanent funding. She is innovative and creative in her approach to build lasting relationships with employers and community shapers. Through her volunteering at Community Corrections in Chilliwack, she has been helping released offenders enter the workforce. Her willingness to share her knowledge with a marginalized group in our community means that a segment of population in our community have a greater chance at a successful future and we as residents are all safer.

 

Experienced Emerging Career Practitioners of the Year

 

Kim Field
Senior Manager
North Island Employment Foundation Society

Disability Team

 

Kim has been instrumental in development and adjustments to Disability Related Employment Needs Assessment tools now used at NIEFS which collects more valuable information than before and in a more interactive and engaging process with the client.

 

Lyn Adamson
Executive Director
Powell River Employment Program Society

 

Lyn, a role model for many, has worked in the sector for over 20 years and is known for having a knack for pinpointing issues, anticipating trends, and pitching strategic solutions. She oversees the delivery of 12 contracts, among them the Employment Program of BC (EPBC) at the agency called Career Link. She has been strengthening the labor market of Powell River, contributed to the evolution of EPBC and has been a lifelong proponent of increased job-search support and wage subsidies for BCEA clients through the Single Parent Employment Initiative.

 

 

Mentor of the Year

 

Barbara Davidson

Employment Centre Manager

GT Hiring Solutions Brooks Landing WorkBC

 

Barbara embodies a true mentor who inspires others to be like her: professional, human empowering, encouraging and genuinely connecting. She is able to instill trust, inspiration and the firm but caring approach to help in the growth of another human being. She has amazing amount of energy, compassion, knowledge and positivity she brings into the work environment.

 

 

Career Development Organization

of the Year

 

Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society (CVIMS)

 

CVIMS, also known as Immigrant Welcome Centre is located in Nanaimo and has functioned for over 38 years. Its employees see 1,000 clients annually and help them to adjust to their new life through settlement services, English language classes, and employment programs. Employment consultants typically speak more than one language and go above and beyond their responsibilities by advocating to funders, local community members, and employers about the needs of their clients. They work tirelessly to guide those in need.

 

 

Employer Partnership of the Year

 

The City of Surrey

 

The City of Surrey, has been a strong collaborator of The Surrey WorkBC Centres and together they have established a number of initiatives focused on raising awareness of the benefits of an inclusive and diverse workforce. Some of their mutual successful initiatives include: Immigrant Integration Strategy and Action Plan entitled "Everyone in Surrey Belongs!, Inclusive Hiring Fair, Get Surrey Working Hiring Fair, Speaker Series (Acting Aging Resource Fair & Employer Forums). City of Surrey strongly supports employment for people with disabilities. They have fostered a diverse and inclusive workforce culture, setting the standard to follow.