Soft landings, strong foundations: Evolving supports for newcomers at North Island Employment
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At NIEFS, our journey in supporting newcomers to Canada has always been about more than employment; it’s about connection, community and collaboration.
Over the past two years, as we continued to forge our strong partnership with our local Immigrant Welcome Centre, and through funding support from the B.C. provincial government (and the NIEFS Board of Directors), we’ve had the opportunity to walk closely alongside skilled immigrants as they navigate the complexities of building a new life and career in the North Island, B.C.
Together, we’ve delivered programs that do more than prepare people for work – they honour lived experience, validate skills and create space for belonging. Our varied initiatives share a common goal: empowering newcomers to step into their full potential and into our North Island communities with confidence.
Read more on “Supporting Newcomer Success” in our article series:
- How employers can attract, hire and retain internationally trained talent
- Canada needs a bridging culture to support newcomer success
- Resources to support newcomer credential recognition
Crafting Your Career Pathway
Crafting Your Career Pathway (CYC) is a 12-week employment readiness program that uniquely combines career development strategies with expressive art therapy to support adults, particularly newcomers facing complex barriers to employment. Delivered in-person in Campbell River and Port Hardy, or virtually across the North Island, CYC provides a structured yet creative environment where participants explore their strengths, career goals, and identity through both traditional and non-traditional methods.
The “how” behind this transformation lies in the program’s hands-on approach: participants engage in career assessments, guided discussions and instructional sessions alongside expressive art activities such as visual journalling, storytelling, collage-making and movement-based exercises.
“I learned so much about myself, other people, and the world.” – Crafting Your Career Pathways participant
These creative processes serve a specific purpose: they help participants externalize thoughts and emotions that are often difficult to express in words, particularly in a new cultural and linguistic environment. For example, when asked to create a visual representation of their “ideal workday,” participants often uncover latent interests, values or fears that might not surface through a resume workshop alone. Weekly mental health awareness sessions complement this work by equipping participants with tools to manage stress, rebuild confidence and foster resilience – key traits in navigating both career transitions and cultural adjustment.
As participants reflect on their experiences through art and dialogue, they begin to reframe limiting beliefs, recognize their transferable skills and envision a future aligned with their authentic selves. At the same time, they build professional momentum through guest speakers, informational interviews and job search support. Community supports like WorkBC Wage Subsidy, self-employment services and specialized employment counsellors are woven into the journey, ensuring that participants move forward with both clarity and practical support.
Facilitator Natasha Prosser notes, “When we take time to uncover and validate their transferable skills, the shift is remarkable.”
One participant, Sandra, shared that the program helped her identify unexpected strengths and gave her the confidence to pursue a career in data analysis. Through its thoughtful blend of expressive art therapy and career development, CYC offers more than job readiness – it empowers participants to design career paths that reflect who they truly are, both personally and professionally.
Skills Bridge
The Skills Bridge program was launched in August 2023 in response to a clear and pressing need: many internationally trained professionals were ready and eager to contribute their expertise, but faced financial and systemic barriers to entering the Canadian workforce. Through funding support and close collaboration with the Immigrant Welcome Centre, Skills Bridge provided newcomers with assistance for expenses such as credential assessments, licensing exams, training programs and application fees.
The program’s mission was simple but powerful: to accelerate labour market integration by recognizing and supporting the talents newcomers already bring. Though the program concluded due to funding constraints, its impact lives on through the individuals now pursuing careers in health care, technology, education and beyond.
For them, Skills Bridge was more than a funding stream; it was a bridge to belonging, confidence and meaningful contribution. This program has helped reduce barriers to credential recognition, nurtured mental well-being and fostered a sense of belonging while laying the groundwork for long-term economic and social integration.
As one program participant reflected, “The Skills Bridge program has been essential in helping me get my credentials recognized in B.C. by covering the high costs of document verification, professional translations, and exams. This support has made a meaningful impact on my journey …”
To hear firsthand from participants how the Skills Bridge program was a pivotal part of their Canadian journey, check out our video series: Unlocking Global Talent, Shaping Canada’s Future
More than employment supports
The impact of Skills Bridge and Crafting Your Career Pathway underscores the value of strategic investment in newcomer supports that go beyond employment. With continued support, NIEFS and our partners can expand on this momentum, scaling proven strategies and exploring new approaches to meet the evolving needs of immigrants on the North Island.
As we look ahead, the success of programs like Crafting Your Career Pathway and Skills Bridge affirms what we’ve long believed at NIEFS: when newcomers are met with empathy, opportunity and community-driven support, they don’t just survive – they thrive. These initiatives reflect the power of collaboration and the importance of investing in people, not just as jobseekers, but as neighbours, leaders and change makers.
The journey doesn’t end here. As the landscape of immigration and employment in Canada continues to evolve, so too will our commitment to innovation, inclusion and equity. Together, with our partners, funders and the courageous individuals who walk through our doors, we’ll keep building soft landings and strong foundations for all who call the North Island home.
