ABOUT THE PROGRAM

OVERVIEW

The Career Bridging Program (CBP) assists Newcomers during their transition into the Saskatchewan labour market. When entering the labour market in a new country Newcomers must learn a new workplace culture and set of employment norms, bridging programs are here to help! The in-class portion of this program covers the Canadian application process, interview skills, digital literacy, financial literacy, Canadian workplace culture, and Canadian employment standards. The class also incorporates several online employment skills certifications. The class is four weeks, and is followed by a six-eight week volunteer work placement with a local employer.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING INCENTIVE

Clients accepted into this program may be eligible for the Education and Training Incentive (ETI), which provides clients with a training allowance during the program.

INTAKES

There are four intakes of CBP per year:

• September 2022
• November 2022
• February 2023
• April 2023

Classes take place Monday-Friday from 9:30 am – 2:30 pm. Classes are currently offered through hybrid delivery (both online and in-person instruction).

IN-CLASS TRAINING

In-class employment skills training consists of:

Week 1: the online application process, resumes, cover letters, aptitude tests, and reference checks.

Week 2: interview skills, workers’ rights and responsibilities as defined by the Ministry of Employment Standards, the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, and health and safety in the workplace.

Week 3: financial literacy including deductions to expect on paychecks, filing taxes in Canada, student loans, and Canadian workplace culture.

Week 4: networking and interview skills, small talk, and soft skills.

Program Highlights

• Individual learning plans to identify career goals
• Volunteer work placements
• Employment skills training and targeted academic training
• Workplace safety and culture (in-class)
• Guest speakers and presentations on various employment-related topics
• Computer skills training and online certifications
• Financial literacy

Volunteer Work Placement Overview

The Career Bridging Program matches students with local employers to complete volunteer work placements. The volunteer work placements are matched with each student’s educational background and professional skillset. Students work closely with the Employment Liaison to secure a work placement. Work placements are between six and eight weeks in duration and are completed following the class. Work placements provide students with the opportunity to gain professional Canadian work experience, to network with professionals working in their field, mentorship, and to gain Canadian references.

Eligibility Requirements

• Accessible to all newcomers to Canada (focusing on, but not limited to, newcomers within the past 5 years), ages 18 and over, who experience barriers to employment
• English language requirement CLB 3-7
• Must be a Permanent Resident, have a valid work permit, or be a new Canadian Citizen
• Legally authorized to work in Saskatchewan

At Regina Open Door Society we offer an educational, professional training program for newcomers to Canada. This program is funded by the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training. Through this program, we partner with local employers who accept a volunteer with international professional experience for an unpaid work term at their site.

We always welcome new partnerships!