Employment Bridging
Entering the workforce is undeniably one of the greatest challenges facing newcomers to Canada. While often equipped with excellent international education and experience, the lack of “Canadian experience”, unfamiliarity with Canadian workplace culture and job search techniques, as well as the lack of local networks and references, pose significant barriers to workforce integration.
The New Beginnings program offered by Immigrant Settlement and Integration Services is an employment bridging program designed to assist skilled professionals overcome these barriers. Since 1996 the program has consistently demonstrated success, partnering with hundreds of employers in Nova Scotia. Providing a participant with 6 week unpaid work placement, the program allows him/her for gaining experience by working in professional field, and to become familiar with workplace practices and culture in Canada. The work placement also gives the employer a chance to consider the academic credentials, personal compatibility, productivity, and practical knowledge of the participant, with an eye toward ongoing employment. At the conclusion of the placement, 50% of the program participants are hired by the host employer. Within three months of completing the placement, 80% of the participants are working in their field. Please contact Immigrant Settlement and Integration Services to get more information about the New Beginnings.
