Events

We are excited to announce that Focus College’s Surrey campus is officially moving to a brand-new, state-of-the-art location! Starting August 30, 2025, all Surrey classes and operations will be held at: 13710 94A Avenue, Surrey, BC V3V 1N1 This modern campus offers enhanced learning spaces, upgraded technology, and improved student facilities to create an even better educational experience. We look forward to welcoming students, faculty, and visitors to our new home!

A two-day session regrading Customer Service Training was conducted by Prabhsharan Kaur from Focus College at the WorkBC Mission Centre on August 19 and 20, 2025. The session focused on essential communication skills required for effective customer service, including strategies for dealing with both online and in-person customers. Participants explored real-life scenarios, learned how to handle upset or difficult customers, and practiced techniques such as active listening, empathy, and maintaining professionalism. The training aimed to enhance participants' confidence and readiness to deliver quality customer experiences in various settings.

"I can honestly say that I would not be in my amazing and fulfilling job as a Link Worker with the Seniors Outreach & Resource Centre if I hadn't attended Focus College's Community Support Worker program and been placed there for my practicum.  I love that I am directly utilizing skills in my role that were taught to me in the course (e.g.: writing case notes, using active listening skills, etc.); that I understand the terms that my co-workers use when they speak about client issues; and that I have knowledge about the aging process to help me understand what our senior clients are going through (such as cognitive/emotional/physical changes and decline). My training at Focus College has helped me to operate in my position with confidence as I learn even more skills and expand my capabilities.  I am happy to be able to contribute to and help seniors in my community, and I am so grateful to Focus College for setting me up for success!"   __Stacey Lalonde

Sajjad Ali, President & CEO of Focus College, has announced plans to establish the Focus Innovation Centre in British Columbia. This exciting initiative will create a collaborative space for students, industry partners, and entrepreneurs to work together on real-world projects, cutting-edge research, and startup ventures. The Focus Innovation Centre will provide access to advanced technology, mentorship programs, and industry connections, empowering students to turn ideas into impactful solutions. More details, including location and launch date, will be revealed in the coming months.

Jessie Stunner, B.C. Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills and Surrey-Newton MLA, emphasized the importance of investing in people, stating: “When we support people, we support the economy because people are the economy.” The B.C. Access Grant has already assisted over 88,000 students, helping save up to $8,000 toward their education. This initiative is crucial in strengthening the economy, enhancing workforce development, and reducing reliance on the U.S. Focus College encourages eligible students to explore financial support opportunities like the B.C. Access Grant to make education more accessible and career goals more achievable.

Focus College is proud to announce new collaborations with leading employers across British Columbia. These partnerships will provide students with exclusive co-op placements, internships, and job opportunities, ensuring a direct pathway from classroom to career.

Focus College is now accepting final applications for the Community Support Worker (CSW) Program starting this September. This in-demand, 7-month program prepares students for meaningful careers in social services, education assistance, mental health, and community care. With a combination of classroom learning, hands-on training, and real-world practicum experience, graduates are career-ready to support individuals and communities in need. Financial assistance may be available for eligible domestic students. Secure your spot today and start your journey toward a rewarding future in community support.

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

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.

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.