The pursuit of meaningful employment is vital to securing the well-being and essential needs of refugees. Here are resources that career professionals can use to support clients who were forced to leave their homes in search of a new life in Canada.
ALiGN for Employers (Magnet) [Tool]
ALiGN is a technology-supported employment model developed by Magnet in partnership with the Ontario Tourism Education Corporation. ALiGN is designed for individuals who may be facing labour market barriers, such as refugees or newcomers to Canada. The platform aims to connect jobseekers with appropriate employment opportunities.
CCVT’s Specialized Language and Skills Training Program (Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture) [Program]
The Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT) offers this program specifically for survivors of torture and war trauma. The training nurtures the individual and incorporates themes that encourage mental well-being and recovery. The training and workplace readiness program aims to equip participants with basic computer skills, office administration and employment support.
Economic mobility (RefugeePoint) [Organization]
RefugePoint helps to match qualified refugees in Kenya with employers in Canada and then supports them throughout the long, challenging process to allow them and their families to immigrate to their new home. More than 100 refugees in Kenya have secured jobs in Canada through the organization’s economic mobility program.
Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (Government of Canada) [Program]
The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) combines refugee resettlement and economic immigration. It’s a pathway that helps skilled refugees immigrate to Canada through existing economic programs and gives employers access to a new pool of qualified candidates to fill job openings.
Employment (AURA) [Resources]
This resource has a list of seven organizations offering support for refugees and newcomers in their employment. AURA is a Canadian charitable organization assisting in the sponsorship and resettlement of refugees. The organization represents the Anglican Diocese of Toronto and refugee-sponsoring community groups.
Programs for Refugees (ACCES Employment) [Programs]
ACCES Employment has programs specifically designed to help refugees build professional networks, find mentors, learn about the labour market in Canada, access opportunities with employers and improve their job search skills.
Resources and Support for Refugees (JVS Canada) [Resources]
JVS offers employment-related programs and services for newcomers, youth, people with disabilities and unemployed jobseekers. It also offers in-depth employment support to refugees, including people from Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine. This resource page includes a list of JVS services and companies with programs for people who have been displaced.
Settlement & Integration (Working Women Community Centre) [Programs]
These programs aim to help immigrant and refugee women facing barriers to integration. Staff can provide information and counselling, as well as referrals to other community services. Along with housing and childcare services, other areas of support include English language classes, employment services, and training and adult education programs.
Understanding the settlement needs of Ukrainian refugees (CareerWise) [Blog]
This article from Medina Puskar, Manager of Career Services at Manitoba Start, outlines the top settlement needs identified by Ukrainian refugees in Canada last year. While the article focuses on a specific demographic, it shares insights that might be helpful for supporting other refugees seeking work in Canada.
Unlocking skilled migration for refugees (Talent Beyond Boundaries) [Organization]
Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB) is a non-profit organization committed to opening labour mobility pathways for refugees and other displaced people. TBB connects refugees with international employment opportunities so that they may work in countries where they can access full rights and stability. They work with Canada, Australia, the U.S., the U.K. and Europe.
Welcome Talent Canada (Jumpstart Refugee Talent) [Program]
Jumpstart Refugee Talent is a refugee-led non-profit organization and positions itself as the only national organization exclusively serving refugees seeking meaningful economic inclusion. The program Welcome Talent Canada provides newly settled refugees with the tools and resources they need to pursue professional career and meaningful employment opportunities. The program is centered around refugee jobseekers in Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary with advanced English skills.
WES Gateway Program (World Education Services)
The WES Gateway Program assesses the educational credentials of individuals in Canada who have been displaced due to adverse circumstances in their country and have limited proof of academic achievements. The program is available to people educated in Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Ukraine and Venezuela who meet program requirements.
