A new three-year initiative is aiming to help newcomers integrate into the community and set them up for success.
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) recently launched the Sarnia-Lambton Newcomer Hub.
"Our goal is to connect with 170 permanent residents, and we're trying to help them with skills development for interviews and workplace success," said Program Coordinator Richa Joshi. "We're also trying to help them with professional networking opportunities and support for turning business ideas into real ventures."
As someone who moved to the Sarnia area in 2018, Joshi said this type of program would have been greatly beneficial for her, as there was a gap in support.
"Newcomers coming to this particular area wanted some kind of support when they're trying to network, having their resumes tailored in the Canadian way, networking in the Canadian way for Canadian success," she said. "Even though these people had all the desire to assimilate with the Canadian labour market, they didn't have the support to actually do it and this program was created considering that. I know I would have had a better trajectory if I had this kind of program."
Joshi said 36 events will be held as part of the program, 12 per year.
The first skills training event, "Ready, Set, Connect: Mastering Networking, Resumes and LinkedIn for Canadian Success", is scheduled to take place on May 14 at Four Points by Sheraton in Point Edward, from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. The event will include special guest Lisa Isaac, of Lisa Isaac HR Professional Services.
Eligible individuals do need to preregister for the event, which can be done online.
Joshi said there has been a good amount of interest so far.
“Permanent Residents bring valuable skills, perspectives, and ambition to our communities, diversifying our employment base and often creating new economic opportunity that benefits our local municipalities. This initiative ensures the participants are well-supported as they integrate, contribute, and thrive in Sarnia-Lambton, contributing to a growing population,” said SLEP Executive Officer Matthew Slotwinski in a media release.
The Newcomer Hub is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).