New immigrants looking for a job in Moose Jaw may face challenges that make acquiring employment difficult, but the Newcomer Welcome Centre is hosting several workshops to reduce those barriers.
Steps To Employment is a four-week program designed to teach newcomers how to search for jobs, write a cover letter, create a resumé and polish their interview skills. Participants will receive a certificate upon completing the four-week course and can add that experience to their curriculum vitae.
The four courses occur on May 10, 17, 24 and 31 at either 1:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. at the Welcome Centre at 432 Main Street North. Only six spots are available per time slot.
Immigrants who can attend the workshops include those registered with the provincial Employment Readiness Program, are permanent residents, are an open work permit holder or are a naturalized citizen within the last five years.
“It’s for individuals (who) are on contract to gain some sustainable skills to help them obtain employment and be able to stay within our lovely community,” explained Robyn Watson, employment readiness co-ordinator.
Finding a job can be difficult for anyone, not just new immigrants, she said. However, newcomers face larger challenges because they may not know companies, have connections or networking, or possess solid language skills.
Watson attempts to connect newcomers with employers through the workshops and the Employment Readiness Program. These connections can acquaint immigrants with some of Saskatchewan’s labour standards and ensure they understand the ins and outs of working.
The length of the workshops will vary — they could be one to two hours — depending upon the people who attend, the number of questions they ask and how fast they understand the material, she said.
These workshops are essential to put people on a path toward employment and give them a clear understanding of what it takes to find a job, she continued. It’s a full-time job to find a full-time job, while the position one acquires reflects how much dedication a person committed to the search.
“I also welcome the opportunity to learn from each of those individuals that walk through my door as well, because each of them are different and unique and they have a set of skills and their personalities are exceptional,” Watson added.
“I just welcome that opportunity to meet them and learn from them.”
To register for the workshops, call 306-692-6892.
Visit mjnwc.ca for more information about the Moose Jaw Newcomer Welcome Centre.
