About 75% of unhoused Canadians are unemployed or not employed. This number is likely an underrepresentation, given the number of unhoused individuals in often an undercount. Given adequate support, resources and accessible employment opportunities, Lookout guests have had tremendous success in not only securing but maintaining employment. Training and pre-employment opportunities are often contributing factors to their success.
Pre-employment and Training
Embedded peer employment and training opportunities within our programs offer guests the opportunity to gain work experience, skills and confidence. These opportunities are varied to meet the diverse skillsets, needs and interests of our guests. Learn more about these opportunities here.
Employment
Formal employment programming includes 12-week cohorts that are comprised of classroom learning and work placements. These programs work with local employers who provide staff-supported employment opportunities. These programs typically have between a 60% to 70% success rate in employment/education outcomes. To find out more about these programs, contact 604-255-0340 or email [email protected]
“My name is *Richard, and I have been sober, just over 1 year. Previously to joining Lookout’s pre-employemnt program, I was unemployed. My resume was weak, and I had no certifications. I used to manage a liquor store and the pay was good. However, it was not the best environment for me. Challenges I faced finding employment, were limited resources, uncertainty in what I wanted to do next. Lack of education and doing my criminal record check…I was interested in what they had to offer, as I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do for work. Saw an opportunity to gain some certificates and jumped on it. Throughout the workshops and working with the navigators I began to feel hopeful and started to have a sense of direction of what field I wanted to work in. Lookout helped me access resources, expand my skills and helped me find what I wanted to do for work. I feel I have more opportunities in my future careers with the certifications I have, and the guidance from the team… “
*All names have been changed to protect privacy