COELS K’emk’emelay Pre-employment Program (KPEP)
K’emk’emelay Pre-Employment Program (KPEP) has been in operation for over 20 years, providing services to Indigenous Brothers and Sisters who have left federal corrections and are living in the community, as well as community that are looking for additional training and skills to gain employment or to continue schooling.
KPEP Coordinator will meet with the Brother or Sister within the first three days of their arrival within our healing lodges or when a Brother/Sister is seeking assistance with their training and employment needs. This program has continuous intake.
It is recognized that everyone’s level of readiness in their employment and training needs are different, some may have been out of the workforce for many years and will require additional supports. And some will not need as much support. But everyone needs to start from where they are at to reach their full potential.
KPEP has continuous intakes, Once you have completed the process, you will be able to begin participating in the KPEP Training program.
KPEP Program has four different levels.
Level One – Building our Foundation with the 4 Dimensions of Wellness
Level Two – Job Skills, Resumes, Reference Letters etc.
Level Three – Soft Skills: Social and Community Connections
Level Four – Certificates and Training
Each of the levels builds on the previous module. It is important to begin with a steady foundation and knowledge resources to acquire basic needs, such as housing and community support.
Level One includes Building our Foundation, pre-planning, identifying job options, establishing SMART goals.
Addressing and finding supports and referrals and utilizing the Medicine Wheel to find our balance.
In Level Two – there are six modules related to Job search and networks. Modules include, 1) creating a resources checklist and navigating barriers, 2) recognizing personal skill sets, 3) creating resumes, cover letters and getting references, 4) honing interview skills, 5) networking and marketing employment skills, 6) developing and implementing workplan.
In Level Three – you will look at your soft skills, which include: communication, listening skills, self-control, positive attitude, assertiveness, conflict resolution, empathy, taking responsibility, and a sense of humor.
In Level Four – you will work on the Hard Skills: Certificates and Training. You will develop a personalized plan that lists steps you can take to obtain further training and/or to get a meaningful job.
After completing this pre-employment program, Brothers and Sisters will have received some or all the following certificates:
- First Aid Level 1
- WHMS
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods
- Traffic Control Person
- Food Safe
- Confined spaces
- Fall Protection
- Forklift and/or Scissor Lift
- Intro to technology
- Computer Skills Training
- Cashier Training
COELS is a member of the Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society (ACCESS) and Brothers and Sisters wanting to pursue additional formal training are strongly encouraged to apply. For some who have completed the KPEP program, they have gone on to take an apprenticeship course provided by ACCESS.
Contact K’emk’emelay coordinator:
Genevieve Picyk
Ph: 778-658-5760
Email: GenevieveP@coels.ca
2008 Walll Street,
Vancouver, B.C.
V5L 1J5