What brings newcomers from Colombia, Brazil, Chile, Ukraine, and China together here in Campbell River? The answer is a program that helps them to understand the Canadian workplace language and culture!
An IWC and RBC combined effort to address a key priority in the community, the Canadian Workplace Language and Culture Hub is an innovative program that aims to help newcomers improve their workplace language skills and increase their awareness of workplace culture. The program is free to eligible newcomers, and it’s intended to support both newcomers and businesses alike.
The Fall session is currently in progress, and the eight students are engaged, motivated, and eager to learn! They are not only improving their workplace language skills through lessons and role-plays, but they are also learning how to navigate the Canadian workplace culture to become valuable resources for local businesses and the community. While learning, they are also creating meaningful connections and feeling less isolated. “This program makes me feel supported and safe. Here I find the answers to my questions and doubts,” student
Jessica Juliana Hardy says.
The current session will end at the beginning of March, and the Immigrant Welcome Centre is now accepting applications for the Spring Session, which will run from the middle of March until the end of June, for three evenings a week. If you’re an employer, you’re welcome to refer your employees. If you’re a newcomer, we encourage you to apply to the program, whether you’re employed or looking for a job. To learn more about the program and to download the registration form, please visit https://bit.ly/workplaceculturehub.
Made possible through generous funding from RBC, the program was developed by the Immigrant Welcome Centre in response to data derived from the Needs Assessment Survey conducted by the Welcoming Communities Coalition in 2020. In this survey, local businesses and other community partners identified a need for workplace-oriented language and culture training.
