A free, local initiative meant to impart employment skills on new Canadians is doing much more than simply helping them gain qualities to take into the workforce.
The Retail Connections program, spearheaded by the North Shore Multicultural Society and housed at the YWCA WorkBC Employment Services Centre on West First Street, has also sent dozens of graduates into the working world with newfound confidence.
“For immigrant newcomers, it can be very difficult to feel connected and get connected here in Canada,” said program co-ordinator Meike Schieb. “So we try to build a community within the program, but also teach them a lot about soft and hard skills … so they can kind of get over that fear of the unknown and feel more confident in their job search.”
More than 40 people have completed the program, funded jointly by the federal and provincial governments, since it was first offered last year to immigrant citizens, permanent residents and protected persons aged 18 to 30. Participants must have intermediate capability in English, be unemployed or under-employed (working fewer than 20 hours weekly) and ineligible for EI.
It’s a four-week course, with participants spending 25 hours each week honing their skills in resume writing, interviewing and softer skills such as time and stress management. Graduates also leave with certification in WorldHost customer service and Level 1 FoodSafe and first aid. Schieb said “quite a few” who have completed the program have quickly gone on to jobs at Starbucks, Winners and a variety of similar businesses.
“We see customer service jobs as a great first start in Canada,” said Schieb. “For a lot of newcomers, it’s kind of needed for them to take the next steps, either because their English level is (not proficient) or they don’t have any work experience, even from their home country.”
However, many participants do bring previous experience with them and the program can be tailored or customized to individuals.
“If there are certain areas of expertise or interests that they have, then we try to invite the employers and really make it a mentorship opportunity for them,” said Katrina Geronimo, a job placement specialist with the North Shore Multicultural Society. “We want to create opportunities that are career-focused, not just something immediate and short term.”
In her role with the program, Geronimo liaises with local employers, inviting them to make presentations to Retail Connections participants. Often, that leads to job interviews and hires “right away,” said Schieb. Graduates also receive eight weeks of coaching and job-search support after completing the program.
The facilitators are always looking to evolve the program however possible with relevant seminars for participants, said Schieb. For example, it now includes a workshop on post-secondary education options to assist those interested in further education.
The next Retail Connections course begins Jan. 16 and spaces are still available. New for 2017, the upcoming cycle is admitting a limited number of non-immigrants into the program.
“We thought it would be really valuable for immigrants to also connect with non-immigrants so they can get over that fear of connecting with Canadians that are their age,” explained Schieb.
“It’s a really fantastic program. We always have so much fun with our participants.”
There will be five Retail Connections cycles altogether this year, including a couple of two-week, express courses that focus more directly on hard skills. Email [email protected] or call 778-927-2931 to register or learn more.
