(Prince Albert Multicultural/Facebook)

By Ian Gustafson

A New Chapter

P.A. Multicultural Council graduate seven in newcomers employment program

May 19, 2022 | 12:52 PM

The Prince Albert Multicultural Council celebrated their first graduates of their Bridging to Employment for Newcomers Program.

The program teaches the students Canadian context, Saskatchewan context and help them find a way they can use their skills and experiences to contribute to society.

Cathi Wilson, instructor for the program, said the first year went awesome.

“We really get to know one another. We’ve formed a very cohesive group where the students all support one another and celebrate their successes together and motivate each other,” Wilson told paNOW. “As an instructor in the program it’s awesome because, with a small group, I can really get to know them and work one on one with a lot of them.”

The program targets international students who have come to the community with education and experience from their own countries. Some of the students are social workers, counsellors, and some have their business degrees.

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They had seven graduates this time around and all have been placed into good work placement opportunities with some securing full-time employment. The program is set up for 10 weeks in class where they do a lot of certifications and advanced courses, as well as getting certified in computer courses such as Microsoft Word. Following that they do a 10-week work practicum.

The work placements are done through partnerships with businesses in the community where they can get hands on experience.

“Get to know the people of Prince Albert and Saskatchewan a bit better, understand some of the issues and concerns, and just the context here is really a very valuable part of what we provide. So that when they are applying for their jobs and get their first career related position, they’ve got a really good sense of Prince Albert and Prince Albert people,” Wilson said.

The next intake for the program will be Aug. 1 and will conclude in December. For those interested in joining or looking for more information, visit the Prince Albert Multicultural Council office.

The program is free to join, and the multicultural office also cover the costs of any types of certifications the students need.

“It’s a really great opportunity for people and the students are so thankful for the opportunity too,” she added. “The feedback from them is that they’re just so thankful for the opportunity. They come all day every day. It’s a full day program and my students didn’t miss, and they would stay late, and they just wanted to absorb as much as they could. Their work ethic is so strong they’re super motivated people and I think they’re going to continue to live their dreams and do amazing things.”

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Ian.Gustafson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @IanGustafson12