Distinguished Career Practitioner

of the Year

 

Christine Buchanan

Director of Diversity and Disability Services at Open Door Group

 

“Thank you very much, I am very pleased and happy to receive this award!  It is greatly appreciated!  I could not have received this reward without all the incredible assistance from my Open Door Group team of Vocational Counsellors, Employment Advisors, and Job Developers who provide me with their client successes that are added to webinars and presentations. Also, the other agencies that I have worked with throughout the years to develop Career Practitioner training webinars or presentations: the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation, BC Centre for Employment Excellence, ACCESS, Lillooet Friendship Centre, Reconciliation Canada, Vancouver Island Vocational Rehabilitation Service, Northwest Training, and Back In Motion.  It has been a lot of fun working together and sharing our expertise – thank you!  And congratulations and thank you also to the BC Career Development Association for being leaders in this community and helping Career Practitioners to provide the highest quality of service!”

 

Mentor of the Year

 

Danny Pendhall
Facilitator/Job Developer/Mentoring Coach
Workplace Integration for Mature Immigrants (WIMI 45+)
Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society

 

"I like to thank, Kon li, Program Director, SFU Continuing Studies, for nominating me for this award, my sincere thanks to BC Career Development Association for being voted the winner of this prestigious mentoring award, is an honor in itself, and Satbir Cheema, Program Director of PICS Society Employment Services who provided the opportunity and resources that made this possible.

Without my mentors, I absolutely would not be here today. Over the years, listening to my mentees has been the most effective way to help them better understand and engage them to resolve their issues. To those I have mentored, I sincerely offer my thanks. You allowed me the privilege of getting to know you and the opportunity to impact your work or life. The magic of being a mentor is the people we meet and what we receive from them in return.

Whenever I mentor, I try to highlight the strengths and inspire self-confidence that can help another achieve their goals that they never dreamed possible. I have found that feedback, if shared with sincerity, will often be embraced and valued. I am very fortunate to be part of a work environment where mentoring is encouraged, valued and recognized. So thank you Satbir!

I am grateful and very humbled by this honor. I was surprised and thrilled to have been selected for the award as I am sure there were many other worthy nominees. I salute BCCDA for all that you do towards the development and advancement of Career Development Practitioners of BC …which is the advancement of us all.”

 

 

Emerging Career Practitioner

of the Year

 

Chris Callanan

Case Manager

North Island Employment Foundations Society

 

“I wanted to thank the BCCDA for this fantastic event. I am really excited and eager to take part in the many opportunities over the next couple of days. I want to thank my Leadership Team (Val, Shannon and Donna) and all of my colleagues and Board of Directors for the continued support, guidance and patience they have provided me with coming into this role. As I am a newcomer to this Industry, it wasn’t long ago that I was meeting with Shannon and Val to discuss the option of joining the NIEFS team. As my background is in Retail Management and Human Resources, I didn’t realize what I could do with the skills and work experiences I have gained. Both Shannon and Val were quick to point out what I could do by joining this organization.

I am humbled and honored to be receiving this award. I cannot thank the great team of individuals I get to work with enough for this opportunity. This award is not only mine, but my teams.  I love what I do. And I truly enjoy helping others in reaching their goals. Thank you.”

 

Career Development Organization

of the Year

 

 

North Island Employment Foundations Society (NIEFS)

 

NIEFS is a charitable community-based not-for-profit organization and the major employment agency for Northern Vancouver Island.  As a leader in workforce development we provide services to over 5000 job seekers and 500 companies annually.  As an organization, we have been actively connecting employers with workers since 1986!

With 28 years in business, NIEFS is a cornerstone in our community building extensive partnerships with businesses, other organizations, communities and individuals in Campbell River and across the North Island.  These partnerships are integral to our ability to assist people to build self-sufficiency through active and sustainable participation in the labour market and assist employers to hire the right people, with the right skills at the right time contributing to a strong, resilient and healthy community.