On Friday, October 31st, we celebrate the successful completion of Focus College’s Work Fluent Training Program, a six-week, hands-on program designed to prepare students for real-world professional success. Over the past weeks, participants have gained vital employability and communication skills to help them stand out in competitive workplaces. The program focused on developing strong English communication and grammar, professional writing (including resumes, cover letters, and email etiquette), and customer service excellence. Students also learned about workplace safety, digital collaboration tools like Zoom and LinkedIn, and interview preparation through simulated real-world scenarios.   Beyond technical skills, the Work Fluent Training Program emphasizes workplace culture, teamwork, problem-solving, and digital professionalism, empowering students to confidently enter diverse industries with the skills, mindset, and confidence employers value. This program reflects Focus College’s commitment to career-focused education, where every learner develops not just academic knowledge but practical, future-ready skills that lead to success in today’s evolving job market.

The WorkBC in Abbotsford received Customer Service Training from Focus College during October 2025 which taught participants effective communication and problem-solving methods for delivering exceptional customer service in modern service-based environments. The training program taught participants to listen actively while showing empathy and resolve conflicts through professional communication methods. The training included practical activities which allowed participants to develop their skills for managing challenging customer situations that occur both face-to-face and through digital channels. The training session taught participants to develop their confidence while working as a team by maintaining composure and delivering solutions and respect during all customer interactions. The program concluded with participants showing enhanced communication abilities and better comprehension of how excellent service delivery affects customer happiness and organizational achievement. WorkBC and Focus College maintain their partnership to deliver career development programs and workforce readiness training and community-based education throughout British Columbia. The college maintains its dedication to teaching useful competencies which help people advance their careers and deliver exceptional service through its ongoing partnerships with organizations.

My time at Focus College was more than just an academic experience-it was a transformative chapter that shaped my path into community support work. I had the privilege of learning under two incredible instructors, Kelly and Alwin. Both brought passion and depth to their teaching, but it was Kelly who truly stood out. She didn't just teach from the textbook-she brought grassroots wisdom into the classroom, giving us a real-world understanding of the people we would be supporting. Her dedication ensured that every student received a practicum placement, and it was through her guidance that I found mine. Although I was the last in my class to secure a placement, I couldn't have asked for a better opportunity. I was placed at PIERS (Partners in Resources), where Angie became another phenomenal mentor. Her hands-on approach and compassionate leadership helped me grow immensely. As my practicum ended, PIERS offered me a position, and I was thrilled to continue working with them-even if it was only for 12 hours a week. In a beautiful twist of fate, one of my classmates spoke highly of me to the manager at Premium Productions, where they had completed their own practicum. That recommendation led to an interview, and I was offered a position immediately. Though it was difficult to leave PIERS, needed to pursue a role that offered more hours and stability. I'll always be grateful for the foundation PIERS gave me and the incredible people who helped me along the way.   From classroom lessons to real-life impact, my journey has been guided by inspiring mentors and supportive peers. I'm proud to be a community support worker, and I carry the lessons of Focus College with me every day." __Stephanie Carter