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Six things you didn’t know about this Richmond employment agency

Avia Employment Services supports jobseekers of any kind. Here are six things you didn’t know about its Richmond Employment Services Centres. 1.
Avia Employment01
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Avia Employment Services supports jobseekers of any kind. Here are six things you didn’t know about its Richmond Employment Services Centres.

1. It’s not a recruitment firm

Recruitment companies that you see on the high street are paid by, and work for, employers. Avia is funded by the government with the goal of supporting jobseekers in finding work, and helping them overcome any barriers that might be in their way. That means its services go way beyond simply connecting employers and employees.

2. You can find training or even get clothing through it

Aside from helping you write and polish your resumé and connect with potential employers, through Avia you might be able to access funded training – for example, fork-lift operation or Medical Office Assistant – get a transit pass, or even funding for interview clothing or other items required to start a job, such as steel-toe boots.

3. Anyone can access its services 

There’s no such thing as a typical client for Avia. It can be anyone from a recent graduate to a parent returning to work after a career break, or a refugee to someone who’s been laid off after 20 years. “The only factor is that you have to be legally allowed to work in Canada. And for some services such as training dollars and subsidies, you need permanent status here, to be over 15 and not working or working less than 20 hours per week,” says Lonnie Belfer, Industry & Community Relationship Liaison for Avia Employment Services.

4. You can discover a range of jobs

Avia organizes job hiring fairs that are typically for a wide range of positions and employer forums, which can connect jobseekers with specific roles. There’s also a program called Job Club, where Avia will bring in an employer who’s looking for specific positions that are higher on the experience scale.

5. There are benefits for employers too

Any Avia client who goes to an interview is job-ready. There are also subsidies to help employers with the training and onboarding period of up to six months. Avia also helps organize unpaid work experiences for people with gaps in their resumés or little experience. “Employers might find someone who’s a great fit for their organization in the long term,” says Belfer.

6. It’s all about long-term results

“We concentrate on what people can do, rather than what they can’t, so they start to develop or rediscover their self-worth,” Belfer explains. “We help people build personal plans, set goals, learn about their personalities and skills. It’s all about targeting your strengths, and learning more about yourself and what complements your personality so you can get the right job in the long term.”

Avia Employment Services is a division of Back in Motion Rehab. Its Richmond Employment Services Centre is at #290 – 3631 No. 3 Road. Drop in, call 778-732-0285 or visit Aviaemployment.ca to find out more.

The Employment Program of British Columbia is funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.