NEWS FOR NEWCOMERS
MORE NEW CANADIANS CAN GET JOB-READY FROM HOME
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Get Job Ready is a free International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF) program dedicated to helping young and new Canadians overcome the barriers they face in getting academic support and gaining access to the labour market. Since 2017, the four-day program has taught thousands of Canadians between the ages of 18-29 how to navigate the job market and acquire essential employment skills. Get Job Ready was originally delivered in the classroom, but more recently became available online.
In order to help more people take advantage of Get Job Ready, IDRF and the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) are collaborating to promote the program to new Canadians. ICC works to support newcomer and immigrant communities, and has an established network of over 100,000 new Canadian citizens across the country. With this extended reach, ICC will be able to make sure this community can reach and benefit from IDRF’s Get Job Ready program.
“These are challenging and uncertain times for everyone, especially for newcomers in search of a better life, who may be having a difficult time adjusting and integrating into their communities and workforce,” said Mahmood Qasim, CEO of IDRF. “With the support of ICC, we will be able to reach and help more young newcomers to Canada to Get Job Ready.”
“The ICC works to create a world where people, policy and practices are inclusive by default, and our programs in support of newcomers and new Canadians are a critical part of that work,” said Yasmine Mohamed, a Director at the ICC. “We know how important it is for those on their citizenship journey to have access to inclusive tools and services, and so we’re pleased to support IDRF’s Get Job Ready program.”
Get Job Ready has been adapted to the current work and economic climate. For example, it identifies the various types of jobs available in today’s market, provides training on how to do effective video job interviews, stresses the importance of learning new skills during a period of isolation, and encourages relationship building with professionals in their chosen fields. Furthermore, IDRF offers support for participants upon completion of the program, helping them prepare for interviews by conducting practice sessions through video and even using the voice notes features on What’sApp and Instagram. In addition, participants are given financial literacy training on how to invest and save money once they find work.
The program has a proven track record – more than 55 per cent of participants have found jobs, and 68 per cent report they have been called for two or more job interviews.
The initiative is supported through the RBC Future Launch program.
The Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) delivers programs and special projects that inspire inclusion, create opportunities to connect, and encourage active citizenship. The ICC is a national charity co-founded and co-chaired by former governor general Adrienne Clarkson and John Ralston Saul.
Founded in 1984, IDRF is a Canadian registered charitable organization dedicated to empowering disadvantaged people in Canada and around the world.
More on IDRF’s programs for youth at idrf.com.