The Canadian government has many advocacies. One of them is employment for immigrants. To attract immigrants, it has taken steps to help the average immigrant find a job. These steps come in the form of courses that immigrants could take upon arrival. These courses offer immigrants everything from language training to employment skills.
To ensure the accessibility of these services, the government of Canada has fully dedicated itself to subsidizing these programs.
In other words, not only could newcomers to Canada hone their skills for free. But, they will also be able to avail themselves of language classes free of charge.
In this article, you will learn more about these programs.
Language Classes
For Canadian communities and workplaces, integration is important. Recognizing this, the Canadian government has tasked newcomer centers with providing and conducting free language classes to newcomers. In any center for newcomers, new immigrants could find more information about language training.
The Canadian government’s main site can help immigrants find a newcomer centre. Here, newcomers could search for the services they need including language classes.
These classes cater to learners of English and French. And, the classes are designed to help newcomers to Canada in their work or studies.
HOT TIP: If you are confident in speaking English, check out CLIC, a free French language course for permanent residents to Canada.
Note that CLIC and LINC are not available once you become a citizen, so take advantage of this opportunity!
Language Assessment
Before taking these courses, you need to know your current language level. Luckily, you can take a free language assessment online. The language assessment test is conducted in English or French. You are free to choose the language on which you want to be tested.
To do this, you need to register for an account with the CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) site.
The results of your test may not be official. But, at least you get to see where you are at in your English or French skills. This can help you determine your need to work on your English or French. Also, it may even help you in deciding what type of job you want to have.
Official language assessments could be acquired from the Centre for Education and Training (TCET). Many of its assessment locations are in Ontario. But, assessment centres are present in other provinces. These include Alberta, Edmonton, and British Columbia. These provinces are immigration hotspots. As a result, the centre has become the go-to centre for newcomers.
You could search for more information on the TCET main site.
Language Training Programs
The main languages in Canada are English and French. So, language classes are conducted in these two languages. Other than price, there are other benefits to taking these language classes in Canada:
- Highly-qualified teachers with years of experience teaching English and French teach the classes.
- You will be allowed to choose your schedule.
- You get to choose where you want to attend classes.
- You could do your classes online.
- In some areas, you will be provided with transport to and from your language training center.
Basic English Programs
The Centre for Skills Development offers two main basic English classes. The Centre provides English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. You could also choose to enroll in the Language Instruction for Newcomers in Canada (LINC) program.
IRCC and the province of Ontario fund these programs. In other words, not a single cent needs to come out of your pocket!
Enhanced Language Training
As you search for a job, you also have the option to take the Enhanced Language Training (ELT) program. This, too, is from the Centre for Skills Development.
In this program, you will learn business English. You will learn how to write application letters, CVs, and resumes. In fact, you will learn under the tutelage of an employment specialist.
This can help you in your job search or your studies.
The training program lasts 12 weeks. And, immigrants and refugees are eligible.
For more information, you could visit the Centre for Skills Development’s main site.
Work-Related Training Programs
You can also choose from a variety of training programs to sharpen your skills in your line of work.
You do not need to pay for many of these programs. But, for most of them, you need to pre-register before your arrival in Canada.
The Pre-Arrival Supports and Services (PASS) Program
Canada is experiencing a shortage of manpower in its health care industry. If you are coming to Canada to be a registered nurse, then this program is for you!
The PASS program is for internationally educated nurses (IENs). The program aims to shorten the time between arrival and professional registration. One of the ways it does this is by offering online courses to IENs who have just arrived in Canada.
This is free of charge. But, candidates need to provide enough documentation to be eligible.
The British Columbia Construction Association Pre-Arrival Training Program
Skilled labor seems to be in short supply in the province of British Columbia. In particular, the construction industry is in dire need of construction workers. This training program helps immigrants develop the necessary skills for construction work. Also, it helps immigrants search for Canadian employers in the construction industry.
You may want to consider this program if you are planning to work in construction in Canada. To qualify, you need to live outside Canada. Also, you may need the following:
- IRCC invitation letter
- Confirmation of permanent residence (COPR)
- Passport request letter (this should state PR visa issuance)
- IRCC request (for medical)
- Single-entry PR visa
- A letter from IRCC indicating pick-up of the visa
The Facilitating Access To Skilled Trades in British Columbia (FAST-BC)
You may be planning on working in the information technology industry. You may have your eyes set on biotechnology. Whichever you choose, the FAST-BC program can add more to what you know about your profession.
This program also links skilled workers to employers.
In fact, as of 2017, 67% of the enrollees of this program got hired in less than a month!
This program is free. But, you do have to enroll before coming to Canada. Expect to have access to many online resources. You will learn more about the Canadian job market and workplace culture.
For more information, you can visit the FAST-BC site.
The Food Processing Human Resources Council (FPHRC) Pre-Arrival Training Program
You could get a job in one of Canada’s fastest-growing industries – the food industry. How? By working in food processing. To help you get that job, the HPHRC has introduced free online courses. These courses are for newly-confirmed permanent residents.
The courses in this training program cost CAD $5000.
But, if you register before you arrive in Canada, you get access to all courses for free!
You could work in food processing and food safety. This is a training program that almost guarantees to get you a job in Canada!
Here is a link to a PDF of the FPHRC Training Program if you want to know more.
Conclusion
Your move to Canada doesn’t have to be too uncertain. Not only is it a land of opportunity. But, it too is a place that appreciates your choice and hard work.
You can now feel more at ease as you find the right job for yourself. As you work or study in the Great White North, know that you have the full support of the Canadian government.
And, through these free training programs, its support abounds!
