Employment Support

Formerly known as Alberta Global Talent, the employment support offered through Care for Newcomers opens doors to employment training, mentoring, and opportunities for newcomers.

For many newcomers, the work environment in Canada is very different from their home country, and they need help joining a business. At the same time, employers need to learn how to properly support and mentor a newcomer within their company dynamics to get the most out of their talents.

We are committed to the service of connecting newcomers to employers for career opportunities, and successful employment of the many high-skilled newcomers who arrive in our region every year.

Care for Newcomers bridges the gap between the needs of newcomers and employers, creating a welcoming, inclusive, and beneficial relationship for a healthy, competitive Central Alberta economy.

For newcomers in Central Alberta

Mentoring Program

The Care for Newcomers Employment programs helps newcomers get the training and support they need to enter the workforce. Newcomers' existing skills and education get matched with participating employers in mentoring partnerships to gain the knowledge to start a new job here in Central Alberta.

While we do not directly help newcomers find a job, we will connect you with resources for training, mentoring opportunities, and tools to connect you to employment in your area.

With participating employer mentors, you have the opportunity to learn about inside operations, policies, procedures, and practice your skills. These businesses are members of our community who understand that diversity is important for their organization’s success and eager to utilize your education and talent while you upgrade your education.

Mentors are often people who were newcomers to Canada, just like you. In some cases, they are retired or own companies and have valuable connections to assist you in your search for employment. If you are interested in becoming a Care for Newcomers Employment Mentor, please connect with us.

Our strategy involves referral to other Care for Newcomers programs and resources such as Care for Newcomers ESL classes, support groups, mentor programs, recreation, and social events, and education about the Canadian culture and Central Alberta community.

Employer Readiness

The workforce of immigrants is an essential demographic for our local economy. Most newcomers come to Canada with valuable skills, education, and a desire to provide a better life for themselves and their families. Some immigrants have had the chance to prepare and plan their move to Canada, while refugees have left their previous homes due to crisis. A common misunderstanding is that refugees bring a lower skill set and would not add value to your business. However, many bring an untapped wealth of expertise.

Are you a Central Alberta employer looking to connect with a talented network of skilled employees?

Our Employer Readiness and Engagement program is the best way to get a direct connection into a skilled labour force. Our programs, workshops, and other resources will assist Central Alberta employers to attract, hire, onboard, and retain qualified immigrants.

Care for Newcomers Employment focuses on the entire hiring process, including:

What is a CLBA?

A CLBA is the Canadian Literacy Benchmark Assessment that determines where a person's English skills fall on an ESL scale from 1-5. It determines a learner's English proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. A newcomer must complete a CLBA before a CARE Language Coordinator can begin organizing English lessons in the proper class. The CLBA is free for newcomers or a fee-for-service for others.
Are there night classes available?

Yes, night classes are available for anyone wishing to improve their English. While there is a fee, there are supports available to qualifying applicants. Please speak to a Language Coordinator about Care for Newcomers' ESL evening class funding options. Get started with a Language Assesment
How do I manage childcare while I am in class?

Students with pre-school children who wish to take Care for Newcomers' adult daytime ESL classes can register for the Community-Based Childcare for Newcomers (CB-CNC) program. Childcare is available both on and offsite with government-approved childcare providers who offer a fun and safe environment for students' little ones. The Foundations for Women class also provides on-site childcare. However, there is a waiting list, and it is wise to register for childcare as soon as possible. Speak to your Language Coordinator for more information.
How often are Care for Newcomers' English classes?

Daytime adult LINC ESL classes are part-time in morning and evening classes. In addition, our Care for Newcomers LINK classes are open for registration year-round for permanent Canadian residents and broken up into two semesters. Evening ESL classes are two times a week in fall, spring, and summer sessions between 6 and 12 weeks. Classes run between 6 PM to 8:30 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students can then supplement their skills with a Conversation Circle, women's and men's groups, or evening ESL classes.
How do I connect an immigrant to ESL classes?

If you, or someone you know, needs help learning English in Central Alberta, please get in touch with the Care for Newcomers main office at 403-346-8818 or by email info@carefornewcomers.ca. Our Care for Newcomers team can help you coordinate registration and a CLBA for our English as a Second Language class.
Where do children and youth take ESL classes?

ESL for children and youth is taught within our school system. Once newcomers register their kids in school, SWIS and ESWIS workers will coordinate resources through Care for Newcomers and other government agencies to provide newcomer youth and their families all the services they need, including learning English.
How much English do I need to know to take Care for Newcomers' ESL classes?

Newcomers' English skills can range from being fluent to having no English, depending on their situation. For example, some immigrants began preparing for their move by taking English lessons, whereas refugees fled from their homes and could know little to no English. Regardless of how much English they know, our Care for Newcomers Language Coordinators assist newcomers by first using a CLBA to assess their skill level and then placing them in the correct ESL level class.
How long does it take to start taking Care for Newcomers' ESL classes?

Care for Newcomers aims to get students into English classes as quickly as possible. The wait time depends on what class the student qualifies for and is interested in and where the start of the course falls in the calendar. It can take approximately two months from registration for students to begin taking ESL classes. However, enrollment is ongoing year-round, and our Language Coordinators are happy to help you plan your schedule. While you wait for your ESL class to begin, our Language Coordinator will connect you with any Care for Newcomers services and programs that you need to settle into our community.
Who teaches Care for Newcomers' ESL classes?

Care for Newcomers' certified English as a Second Language (ESL) instructors teach newcomers English at every level. Students learn how to read, write, listen, and speak English with the help of teacher's aides and volunteers who help translate, answer questions, and improve pronunciation.

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