Community Programs

Opportunities offers a variety of services aimed at assisting individuals with thier career-managment needs.

Prime Time for Success Program

Participants in the Prime Time for Success Program receive:

  • Professional, customized coaching that re-connects them to the labour force
  • Individual assessments that will assist them to learn about themselves and make decisions for the future as it relates to the type of employment desired
  • Assistance to develop an action plan for employment
  • Practice interviews, information interviews and presentations to assist with work search
  • Group interaction through workshops that will enhance learning about self and work search methods
  • Financial support for training to meet goals of their action plan; wages supports for special community-based projects and wage subsidies
  • Special funding to assist with getting a job (such the purchase of specialized work clothes or disability equipment)
  • Assistance when taking a business concept to further business planning stages

This free program is perfect for you if you are:

  • Unemployed and committed to return to work
  • A mature worker 55+ (call for eligibility details)
  • Interested in improving your computer skills and being able to integrate technology in your work search strategies
  • Seriously dedicated to find work by developing the tools to do that

The next session of the Prime Time for Success program is anticipated to begin in May 2012. If you are interested in participating in this session call (250) 286-3436.

Not sure if you want to particpate?
Here is what our past program participants have to say about the program:

"The 55+ program at OCS was surprisingly interesting; I found the whole experience to be very beneficial. It really makes you focus on your short and long term goals and how you will achieve them. Perhaps of most interest to me, were the number of resources we have in our own community for unemployed persons and those working toward self employment. The fellowship of our little group grew stronger by the week as we shared many challenges and successes. I would recommend this program to mature workers who are looking for employment, you will gain skills you didn't know you possessed and the confidence to get the job you want." H.H.

"I have to say that I was a bit reluctant to go to Opportunities, but once I had talked with the councellors there it made my decision to change careers in midlife a lot easier. I feel job searching techniques and computer skills have vastly improved with the patient instruction from the employment coaches." D.M.

"It was a great learning experience even after the age of 55. There was so much I had forgotten from back in the day and was able to upgrade my skills." K.P.

"Opportunities, gave me back my confidence and courage to be myself. I learned the path I had chosen, yes chosen not just followed, was really who I am. The career, which I believed to be just a job, was really who I am and was able to attain once again. I thoroughly enjoyed the last two years of employment, thanks to the wonderful people at Opportunities for their encouragement, the knowledge they shared, and for all the wonderful people I can now call friends." F.D.

"The knowledgeable, supportive staff, combined with a well-structured program and a good belly laugh every day, made learning feel like dancing. The staff and program also convinced me age is no barrier to following new and challenging paths to get where one wants to go." J.R.

"Opportunities Career Services provided a caring, supportive environment that positively impacted my journey back into the workplace. The counsellors and staff gave encouragement on a daily basis which helped build confidence in those of us heading out to pound the pavement. It provided funding for courses pertinent to skills needed for our job search and in house courses for updating computer skills. I encourage anyone who is faced with having to re-enter the workplace to take advantage of Opportunities. I did and have not only ended up with a job but have gained new friends in the process." D.H.

"Participating in the Opportunities program was a very positive experience for me and it definitely helped me find the job I still have. I'm very grateful." P.Y.

I needed direction and upgrading. With the solid mentoring by all the helpful, caring staff at Opportunities, I was able to get back into the work force with a greater sense of confidence and am now working in my chosen field. The program is invaluable to all those who have challenges as an older worker, for whatever reason. Opportunities enabled me to believe in myself and my abilities. I feel invigorated." L.A.

"One of the blessings of the Prime Time program was getting myself back into a routine. After working in a flexible, time schedule framework, it was a welcome adjustment to a more structured set of hours. Also, the discovery of the many available resources Campbell River offers was extremely beneficial. And, of course, the connections with fellow participants and facilitators made it a very comfortable environment." B.H.

"I have a great deal of respect for this project, its aims, the staff and their capacity to support 55+ in the difficulties experienced by many of us re-entering the workforce after, in my case, years at home. I am grateful for the opportunities provided me through this government sponsored program." P.A.

"I loved both our "teachers". Both were excellent with great senses of humour and, of course, great skills on how to treat everyone the same." I.P.

"I believe this program instills positive outlooks as well as new-job-seeking skills and qualifications into a segment of the population that really struggles with unemployment. The program is uniquely targeted to these mature workers and succeeds very well in giving them a renewed sense of self-worth as well as the specific tools required for them to go forward in their job-seeking." F.T.

"The Opportunities staff provided an extremely well organized, dedicated, caring environment for older workers facing new opportunities. I'm very thankful!" C.L.

"When my lawyer retired and left me looking for new work, Opportunities assisted me in many ways. I attended the Over 55+ Program. Through the program I learned what I was good at and also what to avoid. The resume writing course was really good and the practice interviews were excellent. The Program did go above and beyond that by forcing you to look at yourself. When you reach the ripe old age of 55 (I am still 19 inside), you develop some preconceived notions of who you are which are not always necessarily correct. I also appreciated the opportunity to catch up on computer skills that I would never have learned otherwise which has been invaluable. I would highly recommend it to anyone who needs new direction in life." L.P.

"I am grateful every day for the time I was able to share with you and all the staff at Opportunities. Thank you for letting me take the computer training I so lacked. The marine and first aid training were a bonus I had not expected. Not only did you all believe in me but more importantly you showed me that I still believed in myself. It would have been a much longer road to get to where I am today without your assistance. Thank you again." T.C.

"Thanks to the high professional standards, knowledge and overall human quality of the coaches, my experience at Opportunities has been instrumental and inspiring. Thanks, I will always remember how you touched my life." B.L.