ADaPT for BC Newcomers
Welcome to the Advanced Digital and Professional Training (ADaPT) program for British Columbia (BC) Newcomers! This program supports newcomers in building their essential skills, improving their employment readiness and helping to connect them to employers for paid work placements. The program is for newcomers aged 19 years or older who are residents of British Columbia.
The program provides newcomers with training, work placement and employment support, and career advancement opportunities. Training is focused on foundational, professional and digital skills and competencies. In addition, newcomers access wraparound supports to develop their job-seeking skills, including one-to-one career coaching, mock interview preparation, résumé review and support, and networking opportunities.
Does this sound like you? If so, then the program is available online with self-study, experienced industry instructors and all the support you need to succeed.
The ADaPT for BC Newcomer program runs from May 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025. The program is led by the Diversity Institute at the Ted Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan University. It is funded through the Immigrant Employment Council of British Columbia (external link) ’s Applied Skills Curriculum to Empower Newcomer Development (ASCEND) program (external link) for employers and B2B Mentoring programs as part of the Provincial Initiatives Project.
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“The ADaPT program provided me with valuable insights into harnessing digital skills to meet the demands of the professional world. Interacting with my diverse cohort exposed me to various perspectives within the workforce, fostering connections and knowledge exchange. Additionally, the program’s career support team offered unwavering assistance, guiding me in formulating effective job search strategies and supporting my overall career growth.” – Alison, ADaPT Participant
ADaPT for BC Newcomers builds off the Diversity Institute’s ADaPT program by leveraging key training models while expanding on work-integrated learning opportunities.
Program Training Includes
Skills for success
- Communication styles and presentation skills
- Networking
- Business writing
- Business financials
In-demand digital skills
- Microsoft Office and Excel
- Artificial intelligence
- Cybersecurity
Job search skills
- Résumé preparation and review
- Interviewing for success
- Creating a LinkedIn profile
- Personal branding and career strategies
In-demand employer skills
- Customer service and sales fundamentals
Benefits for participants:
- Receive training to improve your digital literacy, technology skills and professional skills
- Boost your self-confidence and employability
- Access career support and learn how to navigate the job market
- Receive hiring assistance and career coaching to enhance employment prospects and help find paid work placement opportunities.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the ADaPT for BC Newcomer program, you must be:
- A newcomer to Canada (within the last five years)*
- Eligible to work in Canada
- A resident of British Columbia
- Aged 19 years or older
- Proficient in English (priority given to Canadian Language Benchmark level 6 or above, but not required)
*International students and temporary workers are eligible if they meet the other eligibility criteria.
There is no cost to participate in this program.
Key dates
Information session: January 9, 2025, 12 noon Pacific Standard Time
Register here (external link) to attend the information session.
Application deadline: January 20, 2025
Employers: Interested in hiring newcomer talent?
You will receive the following and more free of charge!
- Help with targeted searches and support for candidates that meet your talent needs.
- Opportunities to inform our free customized training to ensure candidates are equipped to succeed. This could include skills for success, such as communication, digital skills, sales and marketing, and interview and job-seeking skills; or customized training based on employer needs.
- Access to custom and collaborative hiring events and fairs. When well-designed in consultation with partners we can greatly accelerate the hiring process.
- Access to ongoing support once candidates are placed to ensure their success and yours.
Employer insights from ADaPT programming
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- 100% of employers reported that collaboration skills of participants they hired were somewhat or much better.
- 92% of employers reported that problem-solving, communication, creativity and innovation, and career planning and development skills were somewhat or much better.
Need to get in touch?
Our team will be happy to connect with you to answer any questions you may have!
This project was created in partnership with the Immigrant Employment Council of British Columbia (external link) .
