The Obair Economic Society was formed in 1987 by a group of citizens concerned about unemployed workers in our community. They wished to provide services to assist the unemployed to become employed, especially those who were having the most problems getting a job. They had noticed that often the ones who needed the most help were the ones least likely to receive help. Since then, the society has provided a variety of programs and services related to employment. Funding is provided by ministries of both the Federal and Provincial governments.

Many people wonder where our name came from and what it means. "Obair" is a Gaelic word that means "work" and the name was chosen to represent the work that we do. Over the years we have adapted to changing workforce markets and our service area across the Northeast region of BC. One thing has always remained the same: Your journey starts here!

The Board of Directors for Obair Economic Society is proud to serve and support the vital work of our employment training center in Northern BC. The dedicated board members bring a wealth of experience and a shared passion for empowering individuals and communities through education and skills development.

Our mission is to advance education by providing employment training programs to unemployed or underemployed people or those facing imminent unemployment and to advance education by providing instruction to members of the public in the essential skills for employment as defined by the Government of Canada. To do this, we provide comprehensive and innovative employment training programs that equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to thrive in today's competitive job market. We believe in the transformative power of education and strive to create opportunities that lead to sustainable employment and long-term success for our program participants.

We are proud to collaborate with community partners, government agencies, and local businesses to foster strong relationships and create opportunities for meaningful employment outcomes. Together, we are committed to building a strong, inclusive, and prosperous community by empowering individuals through employment training and vocational opportunities.

Thank you for your interest in Obair Economic Society and for your support of our important work.

For Board Member or Administration contact information, please reach out to our office at 250-782-2628 or stop by anytime!