World Skills Employment Centre

06/05/2026

✨ Building Connections, Confidence, and Community Through the Job Search Workshop Program Alumni Network ✨

On June 3, 2026, World Skills Employment Centre hosted another in-person Job Search Workshop (JSW) and the Roadmap to Employment (RTE) prpgrams Alumni Networking Event, bringing together staff and close to 20 current and former participants from World Skills and our JSW partners: Immigrant Women Services Ottawa(IWSO), Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO), and CCI Ottawa.

Because JSW and RTE are delivered online, these alumni events provide a valuable opportunity for participants to meet face-to-face, strengthen relationships, expand their networks, and connect with others who understand the challenges and opportunities of building a career in Canada.

The event featured a welcome from Ledianis Rivero-Sosa, CCDP®, Director of Client Services at World Skills, who spoke about emotional resilience and perseverance throughout the employment journey.

A highlight of the afternoon was hearing from JSW alumni who shared their inspiring stories of resilience and success. Ivette Llanes Reyes reflected on the importance of optimism, continuous learning, and staying focused on long-term goals. Eyobiel Okbai shared how she overcame the challenge of having her credentials unrecognized in Canada, with support from World Skills counsellors who helped her build confidence, adaptability, and resilience.

Although unable to attend, Yumei Yang submitted a testimonial describing how JSW helped her better understand the Canadian labour market and ultimately supported her journey to becoming a Banking Advisor with RBC. Franklin Fru Tcho shared his experience securing a position with Statistics Canada, while Augustine Sen Nkwe spoke about arriving in Canada feeling lost and uncertain, and how World Skills helped her find direction and confidence in her employment journey.

We were also pleased to welcome employer guest speaker Lina Yamout Hariri, Assistant General Manager at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ottawa East-Orléans, who shared valuable insights on recruitment, hiring practices, and what employers look for in candidates.

Thank you to our alumni speakers, the talented participants, staff, and partner organizations for helping create a space where newcomers can connect, learn from one another, and realize they are not alone on their journey.

A special shout out to our JSW team membes: Rana Ghandour, Sarwat Hammoud, Mayrell Marin, Fouzia Regoug, Nadine Ragheb, lubna safaa and Raghad Alsalim.

05/25/2026

Carty House was thrilled to support residents who attended the employment readiness workshop hosted by World Skills Employment Centre!

"For most participants, this was their first deep dive into the Canadian job market. For others, it was the "missing piece" of their settlement journey so far. We’re grateful for the opportunity to help newcomers bridge the gap between their past experience and their future careers here. As always the talent, skills and drive to succeed are inspirational."

Thanks World Skills! 🤩

05/14/2026

🌟 At World Skills Employment Centre, we believe that investing in our staff means investing in the success of the internationally trained professionals and newcomers we serve every day.

On May 8, 2026, 16 members of our team participated in a full-day professional development training on Career Development Ethics led by the incredible Gillian Johnston, CCDP. What many expected might have felt like a long Friday training quickly became an energizing, engaging, and deeply meaningful learning experience.

Throughout the day, staff shared thoughtful reflections, participated in rich conversations, and explored real-life ethical considerations connected to the work career development and employment professionals do every day. By the end of the training, many team members expressed how impressed they were by how dynamic, relevant, and impactful the session felt. Staff shared how appreciative they were for the opportunity to learn together, reflect on their professional responsibilities, and strengthen their understanding of ethical practice in our field.

For many members of our team who are considering pursuing their Certified Career Development Practitioner (CCDP) designation, this training was especially valuable. It reinforced not only the importance of ethical, client-centred, and culturally responsive service delivery, but also the responsibilities, boundaries, and complexities that come with supporting individuals through their career and settlement journeys in Canada.

As a learning organization, World Skills is deeply committed to continuous growth, innovation, and professional excellence. We recognize that the employment landscape, technologies, client needs, and ethical considerations continue to evolve, and so must we. By creating ongoing opportunities for staff learning and development, we strengthen our ability to provide informed, responsive, and high-quality services to the communities we serve.

The session also reinforced the principles outlined in the Canadian Standards and Guidelines for Career Development Practitioners Code of Ethics, a foundational framework that helps guide ethical decision-making and professional practice across the sector.

👏 A special thank you to Gillian Johnston for facilitating such an engaging and inspiring session. We appreciated your expertise, thoughtful facilitation, and passion for supporting career development professionals.

We are proud of our team for their commitment to learning, collaboration, and excellence in service delivery.

05/07/2026

✅ On May 6, 2026, the Credential Recognition Program (CRP) team held an information session with the Ontario College of Pharmacists, and it was truly inspiring.

A very big thank you to our presenters, Logan Grant and Laura Orande, and to all the participants who joined us to learn more about the licensing pathway and requirements for pharmacy practice in Ontario.

The participants asked insightful questions and received helpful answers in return and many of them also shared their professional journeys. Several beautiful moments stood out, but one in particular was the reunion of two former pharmaceutical studies schoolmates from Cameroon who studied together at the same university, and are now both here in Ottawa. Their reconnection sparked rich conversations about studying together and supporting one another throughout the licensing journey. ✨🤝 Magic!

We are honoured and privileged to work with such dedicated and inspiring clients, and deeply grateful for the support of the Ontario College of Pharmacists in supporting internationally trained pharmacists as they move closer to achieving their professional goals.

If you would like to know more about the Credential Recognition Program and how we can support your journey to licensure please reach out at: [email protected]. We will be pleased to hear from you!

04/23/2026

📌 This National Volunteer Week in Canada (April 19–25), we proudly celebrate the people whose generosity, time, and expertise strengthen communities across the country. This year’s theme, Ignite Volunteerism, recognizes the power of civic participation and the incredible impact volunteers make every day.

At World Skills Employment Centre, volunteers have been at the heart of our mission since our founding in 1997. Their dedication has helped us connect immigrants to meaningful employment, support newcomers in building careers, and strengthen pathways to economic inclusion.

Our volunteers contribute in countless ways: as resume coaches, interview mentors, workshop facilitators, and industry professionals who share their knowledge to help newcomers navigate the Canadian labour market with confidence. Many have been part of our journey for 10, 15, and even more years, an extraordinary reflection of their commitment and care.

As Canada’s nonprofit sector continues to navigate growing needs and changing funding realities, volunteers remain essential in helping organizations like ours deliver critical services and create lasting impact.

👏 To every volunteer who has supported World Skills Employment Centre over the years: thank you. Your compassion, professionalism, and belief in our mission make our work possible.

🫶 We are deeply grateful for your continued partnership as we work together to connect immigrants to employment and build a stronger, more inclusive Canada.

04/23/2026

📢 Attention Job seekers!

❓ Looking for your next career opportunity in Ottawa?

The upcoming Ottawa Career Fair & Training Expo on April 30, 2026 is a great chance to connect directly with employers, recruiters, and training organizations all in one place.

Whether you’re actively job searching, considering a career change, or exploring new training opportunities, this event can help you expand your network and discover new pathways forward.

📍 Ottawa, ON - Rogers Centre → 55 Colonel By Drive - Room 205/207
🗓️ April 30, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

We encourage our clients to take advantage of opportunities like this and continue building toward their career goals.

⏩ Reserve your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ottawa-career-fair-and-training-expo-canada-april-30-2026-tickets-1865341409369?aff=oddtdtcreator

Get in front of hiring managers! Network and apply with Employer Exhibitors. Build meaningful rapports

03/26/2026

🌟 Unlock Career Opportunities with LinkedIn. This workshop will show you how to leverage your LinkedIn profile to boost your professional image, connect with industry professionals, and discover job opportunities within the Canadian market.
📅 Tuesday, March 31 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Location: Zoom

This group-based, half-day session focuses on hands-on learning and collaborative activities that help you use LinkedIn’s features and tools effectively. You’ll gain practical insights to enhance your job search strategy and present yourself as a strong candidate online.

Throughout the session, you will learn how to:
🟠Create a compelling personal brand through your profile and headline.
🟠Use keywords and search filters to find the right opportunities.
🟠Engage with professional communities and expand your network.
🟠Approach recruiters and employers with confidence.
🟠Showcase your skills and achievements to attract job offers.

This event is exclusive to World Skills clients. If you’re not registered as a client yet, click the link here or scan the QR code below to complete the pre-registration form, and a staff member will contact you to book an appointment → https://wsec.carmis.ai

If you have any questions, please contact us via email or visit our website for updates on events and upcoming workshops.

03/16/2026

💡Discover career opportunities with the Canadian Forces! World Skills is pleased to host the Canadian Forces for an exclusive virtual information and recruitment session.
📅Wednesday, March 18 | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
📍Virtual, Microsoft Teams

This session will help you explore various career paths within the Canadian Forces and understand the recruitment process, requirements, and available roles. Participants will also receive practical advice and insights from a Canadian Forces representative.

🟦Eligibility:
This session is intended for Naturalized Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents interested in exploring careers with the Canadian Forces.

This event is exclusive to World Skills clients. Invitations have been sent by email. Please check your mailbox this week and don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and take the next step toward a rewarding career!

If you’re not registered as a client yet, click the link here or scan the QR code below to complete the pre-registration form, and a staff member will contact you to book an appointment → https://wsec.carmis.ai

If you have any questions, please contact us via email or visit our website for updates and event information.

03/11/2026

🌿 March is off to a great start at World Skills! We will host the first English Conversation Circle of the season
📅 Friday, March 13 | 10 AM – 12 PM
📍 World Skills Office | 237 Argyle Avenue, Ottawa, ON

This week’s session will spark meaningful conversations about current events that impact our lives, from politics and the environment to technology and AI. Let’s explore these topics together and discuss strategies to navigate the challenges and changes they're bringing to our lives.

This in-person session is open to all World Skills clients with CLB 6 and above, regardless of immigration status. Join us to practice your English language skills, build confidence, and connect with others in a supportive environment.

👉 Not a client yet? Register with World Skills to access this and many other professional development opportunities! → https://wsec.carmis.ai

03/03/2026

🌸 On March 8 and every day, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and leadership of women everywhere.

At World Skills Employment Centre, International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of why gender-responsive programming matters, especially for immigrant and racialized women navigating a new country, new systems, and new opportunities.

We’re very fortunate to deliver two programs, Empowering Racialized Newcomer Women (ERNW) and From Survivor to Thriver, in partnership with Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO), a long-standing and deeply valued collaborator. Our partnership began more than two decades ago through the Job Search Workshops in the early 2000s, and together we continue to strengthen pathways to employment and independence for newcomer women.

Through these programs, we create spaces where women can rebuild confidence, gain practical employment skills, and reconnect with their professional identities. The impact of this work is best expressed by the women themselves.

In our most recent annual report, Claudia, an ERNW client, shared:
“Each workshop felt like placing something meaningful into a suitcase - not just job search skills, but also strength, hope, and clarity. I didn’t just learn how to write résumés or prepare for interviews. I learned to believe in myself again. Being surrounded by other newcomer women made me feel understood and supported.”

This is why we do what we do. Immigrant women often navigate layered challenges, labour market barriers, caregiving responsibilities, cultural transitions, and sometimes experiences of trauma. When we intentionally create safe, supportive, and empowering environments, transformation happens.

On March 5, we are proud to co-host a special event to celebrate International Women’s Day alongside IWSO, to honour our clients, partners, and staff, the women who show up every day with courage, determination, and generosity of spirit.

To the women in our programs: you inspire us.
To our partners: thank you for your collaboration.
To our team: your compassion and commitment make this work possible.

We invite our community to continue uplifting and investing in spaces where women feel seen, supported, and empowered.
If you believe in this work, we encourage you to:

💜 Share this message
🤝 Partner with us
🌟 Refer a woman who could benefit from our programs

Together, we can continue building pathways to economic independence and dignity.

Happy International Women’s Day. 💜