A new employment centre on Rosedale Avenue has replaced the Work Zone centre.
YMCA-YWCA Okanagan has opened three new WorkBC Employment Service Centres in the area.
The sites will offer free employment services for job seekers 16 and older and are accessible by all unemployed and underemployed British Columbians.
While the centres were opened after the Work Zone centres closed their doors, Robert Bryce, catchment area manager for the centres, said the new centres are not simply replacements for Work Zone.
He said additional employment services are being offered.
“We’re picking up the pieces from many programs, not just Work Zone,” he said.
The centres are working in partnership with Bowman Employment Services, Partners in Resources Inc., South Okanagan Women in Need Society, Community Futures South Okanagan, On Your Mark Employment Services, Princeton and District Community Skills Centre and Okanagan Training and Development Council.
Bryce said the YMCA-YWCA has more than 15 years of experiences in delivering employment programs in the Central Okanagan and more than 10 years of experience in the South Okanagan.
Bryce said the labour market in the area went through a slump during the recession which began in 2009, but the job market is improving.
“The labour market is definitely picking up,” he said.
“There are some larger projects happening.”
The Summerland office, at 103-13416 Rosedale Ave., will be open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
“We’re available to provide client service 40 hours a week,” Bryce said.