The Burnaby Board of Trade is a trailblazer in the realm of workforce development. Their partnership with Reboot Plus helps Burnaby students realize their fullest potential. Collaborating with PEERs and Douglas College, this program removes barriers and creates pathways for individuals facing challenges in entering the workforce. President Paul Holden shares insights into the organization’s pivotal role, experiences, and the significance of such initiatives.
Hope-Centered Education and Career Development
Reboot Plus redirects vulnerable youth through a hope-centered approach to education and 
career development. Students not on track to graduate high school are referred to the Douglas College campus for a 16-week program that complements their high school studies. Students identify values, personality, interests, and skills. They are paired with professionals for informational interviews to learn, first hand, about career options. Students then develop a concrete education and career plan.
Partnership for Progress
Through its partnership with Reboot Plus, the Burnaby Board of Trade is addressing workforce development challenges. President Paul Holden, emphasizes the critical role of engaging with the business community and forging partnerships to ensure a well-trained and prepared workforce:
“When this program came up, we identified that this is a sector of the potential workforce that might have some real obstacles in their way. We want to be involved in seeing where this program goes and how we can get our organization and our members involved.”
Bridging the Employment Gap
With a key role in workforce development, the Burnaby Board of Trade is dedicated to mentoring and enhancing the capabilities of the workforce. Members who have participated in the Reboot Plus program describe the experience as powerful and transformative. The organization is actively seeking ways to ensure a well-trained, well-educated, and well-prepared workforce to align with the needs of its community.
Quantifying Impact and Resource Allocation
Financial support plays a pivotal role in facilitating the organization’s commitment to Reboot Plus. It enables a focused allocation of resources, streamlining efforts to navigate challenges effectively:
“The financial support goes directly towards us being able to apply resources to the program and our staff, making it a bit easier to navigate. We’re always juggling our resources, so it does help to focus where you’re going to apply those resources.”
Reboot Plus is as a testament to the Burnaby Board of Trade‘s unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive and well-prepared workforce. Through this partnerships, the organization actively contributes to the success of Reboot Plus. The organization’s dedication to amplifying the voices of those impacted by the program and transforming futures will ensure continued success of young people.
With funding from the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Centre, we are examining whether a hope-centred education and career development program can help youth find their purpose.
Le projet Reboot Plus est financé par le Centre des Compétences futures du gouvernement du Canada