Where social responsibility meets employment
EMBERS Staffing
EMBERS Staffing is Canada’s multiple award-winning and socially responsible staffing agency that connects companies with workers. We are passionate about our work.
Our mission is to create economic opportunities for people – one person, one job, one day at a time. A job is much more than the work itself; it provides income, a sense of belonging, purpose, and a chance to rebuild a life.
Founded in 2008, EMBERS Staffing is a nationally recognized, award-winning temporary staffing agency owned and operated by the EMBERS Charity. We provide companies with a socially responsible staffing solution while providing workers with a ladder of opportunities to improve their skills and advance their careers.
Every year, EMBERS Staffing employs thousands of individuals from diverse backgrounds, placing them in short and long-term jobs. As a social enterprise, we invest 100% of profits back into the community in the form of worker support programs, higher hourly wages, free tool and equipment rentals and access to certified skills training opportunities.
Service Areas
Construction
- General Labourers
- Skilled Labourers
- Construction Safety Officers (CSO)
- Traffic Control Persons
- Roofers
- Occupational First Aid Levels I, II & III
- Carpenters
- Carpenter Helpers
- Hoist Operators
- Forklift Operators
- Telehandlers
Warehousing
- Swampers
- Drivers
- Forklift Operators
- Assembly
- Packaging
- Order Pickers
- Materials Handlers
- Cross Dock Workers
- Shipping and Receiving
- Production Workers
Security
- Basic Construction Security
- Integrated Construction Security
- Community Mobile Patrol
- Storefront Security/Customer Service Guards
- Retail Loss Prevention Guards
Other
- Janitorial
- Snow Removal
- Events Staff
- Administration
- And more!
our impact
Testimonials
Darwin Construction
Darwin deeply values the meaningful partnership that we have with EMBERS. We understand that sometimes people need an extra hand to get themselves out of a difficult situation. Working with EMBERS has allowed Darwin to provide that opportunity all while filling our project staffing needs. We believe that providing employment encompasses far beyond mere income; it embodies self-worth, friendship, and integration into a social network. Collaborating with EMBERS stands as a source of immense pride for Darwin and reflects our shared dedication to fostering social inclusion and sustainable employment.
Randy Callaghan
Workforce Supervisor, PCL Construction
EMBERS is our go-to organization for workers with short notice. Things happen daily that are last-minute changes. With EMBERS we can call and sometimes get people on the same day. When we work with EMBERS we have the option to direct hire after a certain amount of hours worked. This option makes our decision to hire easier because they have worked with our team already. This has been very successful at the New St. Paul’s Hospital project.
Garreth Maybury
Snr. Construction Manager, EllisDon
Our experience with EMBERS has been fantastic. The work that Marcia, Doug, and their fantastic team do is truly inspiring! At EllisDon, we appreciate the hardship the people that EMBERS represents have gone through in life and for us to be able to give these people a chance to get back on their feet is a true privilege.
EMBERS Staffing Worker
They put me on a site that changed my life. I now have more confidence than I have ever had before, I have ideals I strive towards, I believe in my abilities, myself and what I was always capable of doing and I have now just gotten my first ever job that pays me more than ever before and EMBERS helped make that happen. I would never have been able to accomplish this big moment in my life without the support and dedication EMBERS has given me .
Garnet
Great agency to work for. No wonder they have won awards. Been employed full time with great pay and benefits for over 4 years now (over $25/ hr for my skill set). Best part is the changing work sites and meeting new people. And weekly pay. Your acquired skills are put to use, and they even have resources to develop new skills for use in the work environment. They can even get you into and home from work each day if needed. With 40 years of work experience before landing here, one of the better employers, bar none.
Paul Merrick
General Manager, Purolator Western Canada
The partnership with EMBERS was an opportunity to make a meaningful difference and a strong social impact. Obviously, they’re doing great work and it aligned with our opportunities to provide people with meaningful and inspiring work and help them improve their lives.
Terry
I have worked for EMBERS for 3 years now and it's been an amazing experience. I've doubled my wage and acquired many skills and tickets for the operation of equipment and first aid skills. I've also started my career as a foreman and make almost 100,000 dollars a year.
Michael Kazda
Senior Vice President & Project Director, Royal Columbian Hospital
We really appreciate the work that EMBERS is doing in the local community and the support and training they provide to their workers.
Ian Kerr
Vice President, EllisDon
We have been an EMBERS Staffing partner since 2016 when we first began working together on the Parq Casino project. We quickly realized the value that EMBERS Staffing brought as an organization and the impact that they were having within the community. The passion and dedication that Marcia and Doug bring to EMBERS is very admirable and it shows in how they transform the lives of so many people.
Beee
Decided to start a new career after some bad choices and setbacks in life but unsure what that change looked like. The option to join the EMBERS team fell into my lap from a friend and I’ve never regretted a moment of it. I started with them roughly a year ago and I was open about my inexperience in the construction field. They provided me some work gear and over a short period of time the training I needed to secure a better position. Today I work with one of the largest construction companies in Canada as a Hoist Operator. This would not have been possible without the help and support of the hard-working staff at EMBERS Employment Solutions. I am forever grateful for them and I highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to get their hands dirty and "construct a better you".
Kelly Tarry
Director of People & Culture, Marcon
Marcon was attracted to the mission of EMBERS Staffing to help people from all walks of life find meaningful work opportunities. EMBERS Staffing connects our company to potential team members that are motivated to work and learn. We have had a great experience partnering with EMBERS Staffing, supporting community members to increase their skills, which in turn helps to close the labour force skills gaps that we are seeing on our projects.
EMBERS Staffing Worker
I have worked with many employment agencies in Vancouver. EMBERS is way ahead of all of them. They are a non-profit and the staff are really friendly and they care about their people. They can help with training, education and many other supports. I have worked with people there from all walks of life. A really awesome organization!
Troy
My favourite thing is that EMBERS is very accommodating, understanding and flexible. EMBERS actually cares for people. They gave me an opportunity. When I first came here I didn’t have anything going for me, and it was just as easy as coming in the door and they got me work – it was awesome! I always tell people that if you want to work and start earning, just come to EMBERS, it’s that easy.
Rick
They taught me how to turn my life around, and are forever on my gratitude list.
Naomi
Honestly, EMBERS is one of the best temporary employment agencies in Vancouver. If it wasn’t for EMBERS, I would probably be homeless or at least broke! EMBERS offers very competitive wages and the staff are exceptionally friendly. I know when I go into the office, no matter what time of day it is, there will always be warm conversation and good jokes. EMBERS as well, has helped me get several permanent jobs and definitely helps me with my education.
EMBERS Staffing Worker
I am a middle aged man returning to the workforce after several years. I was trepidatious about using a temporary staffing agency, especially one that largely caters to the Construction industry. I did not want to feel like an old man in a young man's game. I called EMBERS Staffing Solutions (Abbotsford) and I spoke with Kate. We scheduled to meet soon thereafter. When we met, she made me comfortable to speak honestly and openly about my reservations. She asked me about my skills and past Vocational experience. 2 days later I was off to work...with the PPE Kate furnished me! I have been working steady ever since in jobs I enjoy and in jobs tailored for me. Not only have Kate and EMBERS given me an income I can live comfortably off, they have given me my self esteem back. Thanks Kate!
Peter
EMBERS has been more than an employer. They have been like a friend that actually goes out of their way to be helpful, considerate, and genuinely concerned about what’s going on in my life. They offer support in any way they can, which I am grateful for. I feel like they’re my family in lieu of me having no family. EMBERS is a great organization which I am proud to work hard for and I do my very best work to show that I appreciate working here as well.
Heriberto
I am very grateful to EMBERS for giving me opportunities. The people and the companies are just phenomenal. It feels like family. They always care about you, and they always have jobs for you. They want you to keep growing and be successful.
EMBERS Staffing Worker
If you’re looking to get into trades or want some part time work, EMBERS is the place to go. The staff are very friendly and polite. EMBERS gave me the chance to try a new career and to help me develop my skills. They even offer in-house training for a variety of tickets. I highly recommend EMBERS to anyone who wants to test their hand in trades
Aly
EMBERS has helped me tremendously with getting more experience in my line of work, and has helped me with numerous opportunities to continue to keep moving forward onto bigger, better things. I love all of the EMBERS staff. They have helped out a lot and are very friendly, caring, understanding and just all around awesome.
Carsten
EMBERS doesn’t give handouts. EMBERS gives a hand. EMBERS empowers individuals to overcome their difficulties.
EMBERS Staffing Worker
I have worked for EMBERS for a year and it's been an amazing experience. I've doubled my wage and acquired many skills and tickets for operation of equipment and first aid skills.
Cory
You can walk into EMBERS without any experience and you get treated like an adult right away. All the opportunities for steady work makes EMBERS different from other temp companies. When I tell people about EMBERS, I tell them that if you are looking for work it’s a great place where you get treated well. There are always opportunities at EMBERS, right now they are putting me through a CSO course! I like that after I established myself as a reliable worker, I would always have a job. I could come in the morning and immediately get a job. The donuts and coffee are nice, but that job is so much nicer
Ron
I want to share what EMBERS Staffing has done for me. They worked with me, giving me a chance to get a job. The people working there believed in me. They did not care about my past and gave me a chance to get back on my feet. They opened the door so I could get my life back on track. So I want to thank all the people who work there from the bottom of my heart for all their help, so thank you. They are like one big happy family. They always greet you with a smile and kind words. Now I’m once again feeling like I have a chance to live a clean and sober life, so thank you very much.
Sherry
EMBERS has greatly assisted with finding suitable employment, as well as helped with my self esteem and confidence. Before EMBERS, I was feeling very disappointed with myself as well feeling a lot of self doubt. Thanks to EMBERS that has all changed for the better.
Dale
EMBERS has had a great impact on my life, giving me jobs and opportunities while meeting new people, connections and friends. They are a terrific staff with stable and wise support for others.