By Penticton Herald Staff

At the opening of the YMCA-YWCA WorkBC Employment Services Centre Penticton MLA Bill Barisoff summed up best what the new office brings to its clients: “One stop shopping.”
The office is located at 50 Calgary Ave. and offers comprehensive services in many specialized areas for those aged 16 to 65 years and older.
Robert Bryce, Employment Program of British Columbia catchment area manager for Penticton, said that for job seekers, the new office means access to a comprehensive suite of employment services.
“From a well-equipped fully staffed self serve resource area to case management and case-managed services including workshops, training access, wage subsidies, self- employment options and case-managed assistance for apprentices,” he said. “In addition to these core services, our employment service centres are prepared to serve specialized populations through strong service delivery partnerships to persons with disabilities, aboriginals, youth, francophones, immigrants, rural and remote populations, multi-barriered individuals and survivors of violence and or abuse.”
To become a case-management client, one must be aged 16 or older, be eligible to work in B.C. and presently be working less than 20 hours per week.
“You could be working 15 hours a week part time and you’re trying to get a second job,” explained Bryce.  
The self-service program is open to anyone aged 16 and up. It offers labour market information, job postings, community resources and free computer access. Free workshops are also available in the following areas: resumes, cover letters, interview skills, networking skills and labour market information.
Staff is available to assist people Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
The centre’s service delivery partners are Bowman Employment Services Inc, Partners in Employment Resources Inc, On Your Mark Employment Services, Princeton and District Community Skills Centre, Okanagan Training and Development Council and South Okanagan Women in Need Society.
“It’s not one entity these days,” said Mayor Dan Ashton of the organizations that are combining to help people on their job search. “It’s about working smarter, not harder using a more collaborative approach.”
Bryce emphasized the centre is adopting a flexible approach and will make the necessary adjustments to provide the best service possible.
Funding is provided by the federal and provincial governments.
Locations include Keremeos, Princeton and Summerland which also held its grand opening Wednesday at 103-13415 Rosedale Ave.
In Penticton call 250-770-5627 or visit www.ymca-ywcaworkbc.ca.