Free Workplace Preparation

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Apply now. There is a new intake every six weeks!

Turn your international experience into a job opportunity in Canada.

Apply Online

Are you new to Canada?

Integrating into the workforce is one of the most important goals for Canadian newcomers. Workplace Preparation (also known as Enhanced Language Training) is a FREE program offered to qualified newcomers that have considerable background and experience from their country but have not yet worked in their field in Canada.

In the program your will:

  • expand your understanding about your profession in Canada.
  • build a professional network within your field of interest and gain access to the hidden job market.
  • develop strong job search and interview techniques.
  • develop effective cover letters and resumes to highlight your skills.
  • earn up to five micro-certifications supported by the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.
  • have the opportunity to participate in the Newcomer Mentorship Program.

Student eligibility:

  • Permanent residents of Canada or protected persons (with Notice of Decision) living in Ontario.
  • With international education and relevant work experience from their country.
  • With current proof of their Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) assessment at level 7 or higher
    • To obtain proof of your assessment contact YMCA Immigrant Services at (905) 662-9400 or (905) 526-8452 or visit YMCA's page

Attend an information session to learn more!

  • Tuesday, March 9, from 12:30-1:30 pm
  • Wednesday, March 10, from 3:00-4:00 pm
  • Thursday, March 11, from 9:30-10:30 am

Register here

Student Testimonials

manoj lalit

Manoj Lalit credits the Workplace Preparation program at Mohawk College with getting two offers of jobs in his field. Manoj is an Accounts Payable (Finance & Accounting) professional from India with 15 years of experience. He began looking for work when he first arrived in Canada but became discouraged because he didn’t get any responses to his applications. He realized he needed to learn how to look for a job in Canada and that he needed expert guidance. He turned to the Workplace Preparation Program at Mohawk College and says that this program helped him to... Visit the page with the full testimonial

Program schedule

There is a new intake every six weeks!

 

Intake: April 8 to May 19 (6 weeks)
  • Labour Market module (Mondays) │ Expand your understanding about your profession and stay current in your field in Canada with a research project.
    • Learn industry specific information, market trends and current issues within your profession
    • Compare average salaries across cities and provinces
    • Research new opportunities for employment through the exploration of alternative career options
    • Learn about informational interviews

 

  • Job Search Techniques module (Tuesdays and Thursdays) │ Identify job opportunities, find the hidden job market, and make your job application stand out.
    • Learn how to tailor an existing resume and cover letter and match your transferable skills to a specific job description
    • Learn the importance of networking in Canada and build your networking skills
    • Use LinkedIn to network strategically with other professionals in Canada
    • Create a networking business card
    • Conduct informational interviews with people from your field
    • Learn about/create a professional portfolio
    • Elevator conversations for networking purposes
Intake: May 20 - June 30 (6 weeks)
  • Labour Market module (Mondays) │ Expand your understanding about your profession and stay current in your field in Canada with a research project.
    • Learn industry specific information, market trends and current issues within your profession
    • Compare average salaries across cities and provinces
    • Research new opportunities for employment through the exploration of alternative career options
    • Learn about informational interviews

 

  • Resumes, Cover Letters, and Interview Techniques module (Tuesdays and Thursdays) │ Learn the essentials of portfolios, resumes and cover letters and boost your confidence at a job interview.
    • Create a creative and personalized e-portfolio that reflects your accomplishments and skills.
    • Learn how to choose the most effective cover letter and resume format to highlight your qualifications and experience and tailor it to a job posting.
    • Learn how to effectively answer different types of interview questions in individual, panel, telephone and group interviews and build your confidence through extensive practice
    • Learn how to follow up after an interview

 

  • Workplace Communication I (Wednesdays) │ Strengthen your workplace communication skills.
    • Voicemail messages
    • One-minute speech
    • Small talk and business etiquette
    • Intercultural communication
    • Effective presentations
    • Targeted pronunciation work
Time commitment and technology requirements:
  • Interactive Zoom session(s) from 10:00 - 11:15 am on the specific day when each module is delivered.
  • Individual work per day per module: approximately 2-3 hrs.
  • Participants need to have access to a computer or laptop with camera, microphone, and sound as well as an Internet connection.

What are micro-certifications?

Micro-certifications are digital credentials that are valuable for potential employees.

They have labour market value because:

  • they are tailored to employer or industry needs

  • they are designed to target high-demand skills with the goal of leading to faster hiring

  • they help match work-ready employees with gaps in the labour market.

As a job seeker, you can add micro-certifications to your resume and social media as evidence of current, specific, job-ready training (which can be both hard and soft skills).

Upon successful completion of each module of the Workplace Preparation program, participants will be awarded a micro-certification per module. Each of the following micro-certifications allow for skills recognition and expansion of employment opportunities: Research Skills - Workplace Culture - Job Readiness - Interview Skills - Workplace Communication.

Micro-certifications issued by Mohawk College are supported by the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce and endorsed by eCampus Ontario.

Contact us!

Do you have questions? Contact Lil!
By email: learnenglish [at] mohawkcollege.ca (subject: Question%20about%20Workplace%20Preparation%20Program)
By phone: 905-575-1212 Ext. 3092

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