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Explore resources

Job search preparation image - paper and pen
Co-op and Career has resources to help you through every step of your job search. Our career educators can help you explore career options and discover a path that works for you.

Find your career path

Want to explore your skills and find a job that suits you? Check out the journey kit to:

identify jobs that match your career goals
learn how to network
explore external job posting sites

You can also work with a career educator to plan your career pathway using the career resource folder.

Prepare to apply, interview and more

Already know what type of job you’re after? Use the tool kit to:

write standout résumés and cover letters
learn how to behave in interviews
put together strong grad and professional school applications

Showcase your strengths

Want to learn how to market yourself—to explain your skills, knowledge and attributes to employers? Check out the competency kit to:

learn why competencies are valued by employers
assess your own competency development
find out how to impress employers with your competencies

Get qualifications/certifications

Some jobs require you to have specific qualifications or certifications. This could include:

Food Safe certification
a specific type of driving license
first-ad/CPR training
etc.

Find out how to secure the following qualifications below. We recommend that you contact the person or school directly for details about costs, dates and more.

Business software courses

You can connect with these programs to learn Microsoft Office software that is often required to work in office and administrative positions (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc):

BC Driver's licenses

Some jobs require that you have a specific type of driver's license. All licensing is done through ICBC and information is available online. Special licensing is also available. The Victoria Drivers Services Centre is located at:

1 - 1150 McKenzie Avenue (corner of Borden and McKenzie just east of Quadra St)
Victoria, B. C. V8P 5P5
Phone: 250-704-4150
Hours: 8:30-4:30 Monday to Friday

BC Driving Record

Some employers may request a copy of your driving record when driving is a part of the job. You can get a copy at no charge.

Criminal Record Check

Some employers require that you submit a criminal record check before you start work. There is usually a $50 charge per check but some employers will cover this cost if you are hired. The fee is sometimes waived for some types of volunteer work.

You can get a criminal record check through your local community police station:

First Aid/CPR Training

First Aid/CPR training is often required by companies or private citizens where child care is involved. There are several levels of training available. The following companies provide training for a fee:

Fitness training

Many jobs in gyms and fitness centres require you to be qualified as a fitness trainer. Oak Bay Recreation offers courses on fitness theory, group fitness, weight training, and more.

Food Safe certification

Food Safe is often required to work in establishments that serve food. The average cost for a day-long Food Safe course is around $60. Check the FoodSafe website for course information.

Keyboard Testing

Some employers will ask you to complete a keyboard test to prove your typing speed and accuracy. You should ask if the testing includes both speed and accuracy as some only do speed testing.

Camosun College: Cost is $25, call 250-370-4565 to ask about the latest times and dates
Sprott-Shaw community College: Cost is $25, call 250-384-8121 to book an appointment
Academy of Learning: Cost is $40, call 250-385-1333 to book an appointment
Westshore Centre for Learning and Training: Cost is $25, call 250-391-9002 to book an appointment

Lifeguarding and aquatic programs

These programs are often rquired to work at community pools and summer camps. You can complete programs thorugh:

Pleasure Craft Operator's Card

You may need this qualification if you plan to work in and around boards. You can get this card by taking an accredited Transport Canada boating safety test and receiving at least 75 per cent. Transport Canada recommends that you take a safe boating course before taking this test. Here are some local Victoria companies that teach the course and offer testing:

Local recration centres (contact the one nearest you)
Victoria Power and Sail Squadron
Heads-up Navigation

Serving it Right

The Serving it Right Program helps ensure alcohol is served professionally and responsibly. You can take Service it Right courses online or at many local recreation centres.

Super Host

This program offers various types of customer service training and is organized through Tourism Victoria.

TB testing

Employers in health care or child care often require you to receive a TB test. Current UVic students can receive this test at the UVic Health Services Clinic and the cost is covered by provincial health plans.

Tour guide training

There are often summer jobs available in the tourism industry, and some require that you have training as a tour guide. Hatley Park National Historic site coordinates training opportunities.

Traffic control training

You can receive certification through the BC Construction Safety Alliance. Once qualified, your certification will last 3 years. There are about 6 hours of pre-course work required. Download the Traffic Control Training Participant Guide to prepare.

Workplace Hazardous Material Information System Training (WHMIS)

WHMIS is Canada's national hazard communication standard. By taking this course, you'll receive the required training to work in specific hazardous environments. You can complete WHMIS training through:

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