Since 1992, the Sault Community Career Centre has been helping local job seekers and employers reach their professional goals through its free Employment Ontario Employment Services.
But did you know that they also help newcomers transition to new lives in Sault Ste. Marie?
Seeing a need in the community, the Sault Community Career Centre started offering free comprehensive Settlement Services to newcomers in 2006. They’re now considered a leader in the settlement and integration of newcomers, having helped thousands successfully settle in Canada. Demand for their services continues to grow.
Located conveniently downtown, they offer newcomers language training, skill enhancement and employment support, and information sessions on a variety of essential topics, such as applying for Canadian citizenship and immigration pathways.
Their Community Connections social and recreational activities also help ease the transition. They provide opportunities for newcomers to stay active, engaged, and informed while helping them establish social and professional networks in the community.
Adam Pinder, Executive Director, summed up their recipe for success, “We offer the resources and guidance newcomers need to actively participate in social, civic, cultural, and economic life, and we work with our partners to ensure that the physical, mental, emotional, and social needs of newcomers are being met so they succeed.”
Saira Anjum is the Manager of Newcomer Programs at the Centre. “We provide solutions-based counselling to newcomers seeking settlement and employment support,” she said. “We offer needs assessments and goal setting, help with government applications, resumes, and mock interviews, and offer advice and advocacy to cope with the stress of adjusting to a new country. It’s not without its challenges, but the work is deeply rewarding.”
According to Anjum, the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) classes are in high demand. “LINC is a fantastic English language training program. It’s open to all skill levels, from pre-literacy to Canadian Language Benchmark 7, and helps eligible newcomers learn the English communication skills needed to live and work in Canada. Classes are offered Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and we’re currently accepting new students!”
“We want to participate in building a thriving, inclusive Sault Ste. Marie where every person has reached their full potential through meaningful work,” Pinder added. “And we’re confident that our services are helping to do just that.”
More information on the Sault Community Career Centre and how you can access its free Settlement Services can be found here.
This project is funded in part by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. This Employment Ontario service is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.