Employment Services for Newcomers to Canada: Why They’re Important

– By Maya Ramadan –

According to studies conducted by World Education Services, newcomer job seekers utilizing employment services exhibit a higher employment rate than those who do not. This underscores the significance of offering employment services for newcomers to Canada. In this blog post, I will delve into what these services look like and the resulting benefits and profound impact they have on newcomer job seekers’ personal and professional lives.

What are employment services?

Employment services are specialized programs that focus on career exploration, job search, placement, and maintenance. Services vary in duration and depth across different programs and service providers. Some include classroom curricula, others rely on one-on-one support, and some combine both. The overarching goal is to facilitate the integration of newcomers into the workforce, fostering self-sufficiency. These services offer resources and support accessible in multiple languages.

One-on-one employment counselling:

This employment service provides individualized support involving interactions between employment counsellors and job seekers (clients). Employment counsellors engage clients in individual sessions to evaluate their requirements and needs. They establish meaningful goals for employment or education, empower clients, review résumés and other job search documents, facilitate referrals, and offer continuous guidance and support throughout their journey.

Group setting:

Most employment service providers organize workshops to enlighten job seekers about labour market information, employment trends, effective job search preparation, tactics and strategies, and various certification programs that can benefit their clients.

What’s in it for a newcomer job seeker?

These services are invaluable for newcomers, especially considering their potential unfamiliarity with the Canadian labour market. Employment services provide essential resources, including:

• Career and Needs Assessments: Evaluating skills for success and establishing short and long-term career/educational goals.
• Career Exploration: Providing information on National Occupational Classifications (NOC), Labour Market Information (LMI), and regulated professions.
• Job Development, Matching, and Retention: Facilitating connections through job fairs, hiring events, and networking with employers. Job placements may also be arranged to gain Canadian work experience.
• Resources: Offering guidance on résumé writing, interview preparation, understanding Canadian workplace culture, credential evaluation, bridging programs, student assistance programs, diversity, equity and inclusion, and employment rights.

How do these services Impact a job seeker’s life?

Recent pilot projects initiated by the Canadian government underscore the importance of employment services for newcomers, revealing that program participants are more likely to secure higher-quality jobs. The impact of these services extends beyond professional success, influencing individuals personally and professionally.

Personal impact:

Enrollment in these programs often increases self-confidence and self-advocacy among newcomer job seekers. Some services even employ personality training to empower professionals to discover their potential.

Professional impact:

Career counsellors ensure seamless integration into the workforce for newcomers, fostering stability in desired roles and paving the way to financial security. Some newly employed newcomers may pursue further education to enhance their skills in preparation for future positions.

What’s in it for a Career Development Professional?

As a career development practitioner, I find immense value and satisfaction in my work’s impact on my clients’ lives. Experiencing the transformative effect of guiding individuals through the trials of job searching, aiding them in achieving financial stability, cultivating a personal brand, enhancing self-awareness, and pursuing career paths that resonate with their values is gratifying. Being part of a job seeker’s journey is rewarding as I encourage them to foster a positive mindset and uncover their hidden talents and potential, eventually contributing to our communities’ economic vitality. Each client’s success is a cause for celebration, fueling my enthusiasm for the work. My role allows me to understand the unique ways people build self-esteem and navigate life’s challenges while remaining true to their authentic values and distinct needs.

What’s the Bottom Line?

In conclusion, newcomer job seekers contribute significantly to the Canadian workforce by bringing diverse talents and fresh ideas. Employment services should be considered fundamental and vital supports as they propel newcomers to achieve their goals, positively impact the labour market, and contribute to Canadian society.

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