Employment Programs and Workshops for Newcomers

The IRSA employment services team organizes workshops for registered IRSA clients eligible to work in Canada. Participation is free unless otherwise stated.

Canadian Workplace Culture

What is it like to work in a Canadian workplace? In this workshop, IRSA employment specialists will help you navigate what Canadian employers and co-workers expect from you, and what you can expect when you start your first job in Canada. This three-hour course will also cover your rights in the workplace.

IRSA employment specialists will present an interactive component on the benefits of a diverse workplace and how to respect other cultures in the workplace. This workshop will address essential workplace norms.

Workshop topics include:

Appropriate interaction with co-workers
The importance of punctuality
How to provide support and give feedback to co-workers
How and when to ask questions
Approaches to handling conflict at the workplace
Dress code, scents at work, maintaining a positive attitude

Refugee Employment Orientation

If you are a newly arrived refugee to Prince Edward Island, an employment specialist will give you employment information one-to-one and help you navigate the Canadian job market. The employment specialist will ask you questions to identify your transferable skills and previous work experience to help you find employment or education and determine a career path on PEI.

Working through interpreters where necessary, employment specialists provide refugees with:

An introduction to the geography of PEI as it relates to employment
An overview of the PEI labour market
The employment services available at IRSA
An overview of other workshops available through EAS
Other services and programs at IRSA like the EAL Volunteer Tutor Program
Programs, funding, training and other opportunities
A brief overview of The Coopérative d’intégration francophone (CIF) de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard for any Francophone refugees

Alternate Careers Day

This full-day event is held each year for newcomer professionals considering an alternate career in Canada. Employment Assistance Service brings together newcomers, employers, sector representatives, post-secondary institutions, and government officials to participate in round-table discussions. Alternate Careers Day provides opportunities to learn how your skills can be transferred to a new career on PEI.

Program includes:

Information on how to transfer your skills and abilities to a new career
Opportunities to meet face-to-face with Island employers
Training about the labour market needs on PEI
Presentations about post-secondary education opportunities
Presentations from local employers and service organizations
Success stories from other newcomers who have chosen new career paths

Networking for Success

Building and expanding a network of established Islanders, especially business owners, is crucial for newcomers who are job searching on PEI. In this three-hour workshop, you will learn about networking opportunities in your field, how to introduce yourself, and tips for successful networking.

Topics covered include:

Networking: helping others, sharing, asking the right questions
Reasons for networking
Introverts versus extroverts and networking styles
Speaking, volunteering, and participating in events
Engaging in online communities
How to communicate at events
Making it easy for someone you have met to find you again

Job Fair Preparation

Job fairs are an excellent way to meet many potential employers at once—you can network, pass out your resume, and improve your communication and interview skills.

This three-hour workshop prepares you to become successful in marketing your qualifications and skills at a job fair. Learn what to take with you, how to target potential employers, how to prepare a winning 30-second introduction, and how to follow up with employers.

Topics covered include:

Effective introductions and asking great questions
Resume, portfolio, and cover letter assistance
Interview and job fair meeting techniques
Researching an employer ahead of time
Understanding your labour market
How to present a professional appearance
Creating an "A" list and "B" list of employers to meet
Avoiding long lines and collecting relevant information
Following up with employers after the job fair

Interview Skills Practice

Learning about job interviews in Canada and practicing interview skills can notably increase your chance of success in obtaining employment. If you are a newcomer to Canada, you can book an appointment through your employment specialist. Staff will alternate to deliver this service and will be available by appointment for clients to come in and practice job interviews in person.

During a practice session, types of questions that may be asked during a job interview will be identified. The employment specialist will run through a sample interview with you so that you can practice answering the questions. Participants will learn what employers expect and how to present themselves confidently and professionally.

Topics discussed include:

Insight into what recruiters are looking for on a resume
Different types of interviews like in-person or pre-screening on the phone
How to prepare for an interview and common interview questions
Practice interviews
What to bring to an interview
Common interview mistakes
Questions to ask at the end of an interview

All information is confidential. Call or email your employment specialist to book your practice interview appointment today.

Updated: 2025-03-18