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Virtual Career Panel discusses job challenges faced by newcomers

Archway Community Services in Abbotsford participates in event on July 16

Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants, in partnership with the Training Group at Douglas College, hosts its first Virtual Career Panel for current and potential clients on Thursday, July 16.

The panel runs from 10 a.m. to noon at Archway.ca/CPSI.

Professionals from a range of fields – including marketing, IT, language instruction, social services and human resources – will speak to newcomers on pursuing careers, making professional connections and having their credentials recognized in Canada.

Several of the speakers are immigrants who have experienced first-hand the challenges that newcomers face when they arrive in Canada and want to pursue the same line of work they studied for and worked in, in their country of origin.

Newcomers can also learn more about the support available to them through the Career Paths program.

The Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants program at Archway Community Services in Abbotsford helps newcomers find employment related to their former careers.

Program coordinator Mary Finch said it’s designed to break the stereotype of doctors driving taxis, and provides newcomers with one-to-one support, financial assistance and training by employment counsellors.

“Our program is unique; we help individuals take the steps to obtaining meaningful employment using their experience or training abroad,” Finch said.

“The barriers newcomers face can be financial or sometimes it’s just a lack of awareness of the Canadian working culture that stops them from getting hired.”

The Virtual Career Panel event is free but registration is required at Archway.ca/CPSI.

Funding for Career Paths is provided by the provincial and federal governments.

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