World Skills Employment Centre

08/05/2026

📢 We have a very exciting announcement!

Effective August 1, 2026, World Skills Employment Centre is officially part of the Employment Ontario’s Integrated Employment Services (IES) system.

More information about when we will start offering Employment Ontario services will be available soon.

For the complete news release, check our website: https://ottawa-worldskills.org/world-skills-to-deliver-employment-ontario-integrated-employment-services/

07/28/2026

📢 We're hiring!

👉 Are you passionate about building employer partnerships and creating meaningful employment opportunities for newcomers?

We are looking for an 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 to join our Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA) team. If you have experience in employer engagement, business development, or partnership building and want to make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you.

🗓️ Application deadline: Monday, August 3, 2026.

View the full job posting and apply today! ⤵️

https://ottawa-worldskills.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/SOPA-Employer-Engagement-Coordinator-July2026.pdf

07/10/2026

On July 9, 2026, we hosted an engaging and informative in-person session, "𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗮’𝘀 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁" bringing together newcomer job seekers eager to better understand how to navigate the Canadian employment landscape with confidence.

Led by Diego De Fabio, Senior IT Project Manager and long-time mentor to newcomer professionals, the session provided practical insights into both public and private sector recruitment, helping participants better understand the differences between the two hiring processes and how to position themselves for success in each.

Diego started with an overview of Canada's growing IT sector, and the discussion expanded to include valuable strategies that apply across all professions. He also shared tips about resume and LinkedIn optimization, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), interview preparation, networking, and practical approaches to standing out in today's competitive Canadian job market.

One of the highlights of the evening was Diego's passion for mentoring internationally trained professionals and his commitment to sharing practical advice drawn from years of leadership experience across the public sector, banking, and technology industries. His real-world insights and encouragement inspired attendees to approach their job search with greater confidence and a clearer understanding of employer expectations.

At World Skills, we remain committed to equipping newcomers with the knowledge, tools, and connections they need to successfully integrate into the Canadian workforce. Sessions like these are an important part of our mission to empower internationally trained professionals and help them build meaningful careers in Canada.

A sincere thank you to Diego de Fabio for generously sharing his expertise, experience, and time with newcomer job seekers. His dedication to supporting newcomer talent continues to make a meaningful difference for our clients. A shout-out to our team as well, especially Rana Ghandour who organized and coordinated the session.

If your organization would like to support newcomer professionals by sharing industry insights, hosting career talks, participating in networking events, or mentoring internationally trained talent, we would love to hear from you.

📩 Contact World Skills Employment Centre to learn how you can get involved: https://lnkd.in/dGtwdTY

For newcomers interested in our services and sessions like this, visit our website to learn how you can become a client: https://lnkd.in/gunRgQzR

07/01/2026

✨ Celebrating the Employers and Leaders who Make Newcomer Success Possible ✨

On June 25, 2026 we had the privilege of hosting our inaugural 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁, an evening dedicated to celebrating the remarkable organizations and individuals whose leadership, partnership, and generosity continue to transform the lives of newcomers across our community.

From meaningful conversations and new connections to interactive games, networking, and heartfelt moments of recognition, the evening was a true celebration of what can be achieved when employers, community leaders, and employment professionals come together with a shared purpose: creating opportunities for internationally trained professionals to thrive in Canada.

We were honoured to recognize four outstanding Employer Champions: World University Services Canada (WUSC), IBM Canada, the University of Ottawa, and Ottawa Safety Council, along with five inspiring Leadership Champions: Allison Janota, Mike DesLauriers, Mark Carmosino, Sari Cantor, and Mayank Sharma , Executive MBA, for their exceptional commitment to newcomer workforce integration. Their leadership reminds us that inclusive hiring, mentorship, and community collaboration change lives every day.

This event was also the culmination of months of planning and collaboration, and it would not have been possible without the dedication of so many people behind the scenes. A very special thank you goes to Gemma Follini, whose leadership, and tireless coordination brought this event to life. We are equally grateful to our incredible Employer Engagement Team, our Empowering Racialized Newcomer Women (ERNW) Team, and the many World Skills staff members who contributed their time, creativity, and energy to ensure every detail reflected the spirit of appreciation and excellence that defines our organization.

A very special thank you also goes to Sylvia McDonald, Workforce Development Coordinator at the Ontario Training Board / Commission de formation de l'Est Ontarien, for her partnership and support. As one of our event sponsors, Sylvia and the EOTB team helped make this celebration possible through their generous contributions. We are truly grateful for her collaboration and for EOTB's ongoing commitment to workforce development and creating opportunities for newcomers across our region.

To our award recipients, employer partners, community leaders, and everyone who joined us that evening, thank you. Your commitment continues to create pathways to meaningful employment and strengthens a more inclusive workforce for everyone.

📖 We invite you to read our blog and learn more about the remarkable people and partnerships behind this unforgettable evening: https://ottawa-worldskills.org/celebrating-the-employers-and-leaders-who-make-newcomer-success-possible/

World Skills Employment Centre proudly celebrated the employers and community leaders whose commitment to newcomer employment continues to transform lives and strengthen Canada's workforce. Discover how our 2026 Employer Appreciation & Networking Event honoured four outstanding Employer Champions an...

06/29/2026

🍁 On June 26, 2026, on the eve of Canadian Multiculturalism Day, our office came alive with colour, music, stories, laughter, and the wonderful aromas of food from around the world.

As part of Welcoming Ottawa Week, organized by the Ottawa Local Immigration Partnership, World Skills Employment Centre proudly hosted "A World of Cultures Under One Roof." It was far more than a celebration, it was a reflection of who we are.

Mnay of our staff wore traditional clothing and proudly displayed the flags of their countries of origin. Together, we enjoyed a potluck featuring homemade dishes from across the globe while welcoming more than 40 visitors, community members, partners, and clients who joined us to celebrate.

Throughout the day, staff shared the stories behind treasured cultural items they had brought from home, explained traditions that have shaped their lives, and introduced visitors to the foods, customs, and values that make their cultures unique. These conversations created meaningful connections and reminded us that every culture has something valuable to contribute.

Canadian Multiculturalism Day is an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural heritage that people from around the world bring to Canada while recognizing the values of inclusion, respect, and opportunity that make this country such a welcoming place for newcomers.

For many of our staff, Canada has become a new home, a place where they have been able to build their lives, contribute their talents, raise their families, and continue celebrating the cultures that shaped them. At World Skills, we believe that successful integration does not require leaving one's identity behind. Rather, it means creating a future where people can fully participate in Canadian society while proudly preserving the languages, traditions, values, and histories that define who they are.

This belief is at the heart of the work we do every day. We are incredibly proud of our dedicated team and grateful for their commitment to helping newcomers build meaningful careers, create lasting connections, and confidently call Canada home. Their own lived experiences help create an environment where every client feels welcomed, understood, respected, and empowered to succeed.

Today, on Canadian Multiculturalism Day, we celebrate the many cultures that make Canada stronger and the people whose stories, resilience, and contributions continue to shape our communities for the better.

🍁 Happy Canadian Multiculturalism Day! 🍁

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06/20/2026

Are you an internationally trained architect…. Read below!

If you are an internationally educated professional in architecture looking for information to jumpstart your career, BUILD is the program for you!

Join this 10-week online program for sector-specific information sessions, job search support, mentoring and networking opportunities, and more.

For more details and eligibility requirements, visit: https://www.jvstoronto.org/build/

06/11/2026

📢 Are you an internationally trained accountant or finance professional looking to advance your career in Canada?

Join World Skills Employment Centre and the Credential Recognition Program (CRP) for our annual in-person CPA networking event on July 7, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the RBC Foundry at Bayview Yards.

This event, organized in partnership with CPA Ontario, is a unique opportunity to connect directly with Chartered Professional Accountants (CPAs), learn about the CPA designation, and explore how it can help you achieve your professional goals in Canada.

Whether you are just beginning to explore the CPA pathway or are already working toward certification, this event will provide valuable information, practical advice, and meaningful networking opportunities.

✨ At this event, you will:
✔ Learn about the CPA program and how it can support your career growth
✔ Hear inspiring career journeys and insights from experienced CPAs
✔ Discover credential recognition and financial support resources available to internationally trained professionals
✔ Build your professional network through dedicated in-person networking opportunities

The journey to rebuilding your career in Canada can feel challenging, but you don't have to do it alone. Meet professionals who have successfully navigated the process and gain the knowledge, connections, and confidence to take your next step.

📍Bayview Yards (7 Bayview Station Rd, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2C5)
📅 July 7, 2026
🕠 5:30 PM
🔗 Register today: https://myportal.cpaontario.ca/s/lt-event?id=a1UMm000005UQYTMA4

Please note: If you do not already have a CPA Ontario account, you will need to create a FREE account before registering for the event.

‼️Spaces are limited! Register early and take the next step toward achieving your professional goals in Canada.

06/10/2026

On June 9, 2026, we hosted an informative virtual session on Employment Insurance (EI) for our clients, led by Carrie Bursey, Citizen Services Specialist, from Service Canada. The session brought together newcomer job seekers who were eager to better understand the support systems available to them as they build their careers in Canada.

What made this session particularly valuable was the high level of engagement from participants. Attendees asked thoughtful questions, shared real-life scenarios, and received direct answers from an expert, helping them gain greater clarity and confidence in understanding their rights, responsibilities, and available resources.

For many newcomers, navigating government programs can feel overwhelming. Sessions like these provide an opportunity to access reliable information, ask questions in a welcoming environment, and make informed decisions about their employment journey. Beyond learning about EI, participants left with a better understanding of where to find trusted information, how to access support, and what steps to take when facing employment transitions.

A sincere thank you to Carrie and Service Canada for sharing their expertise and helping empower our community with practical knowledge and guidance.

At World Skills, we remain committed to connecting newcomers with the information, resources, and professional support they need to succeed in Canada.

To learn more, visit the GOC website: https://lnkd.in/djGDMGT

🤝 Are you part of a community organization, government department, educational institution, professional association, or employer interested in sharing valuable information with newcomers?

We welcome opportunities to collaborate on workshops, information sessions, and presentations that help newcomers better understand the services, resources, and systems that support their successful integration into Canada. Contact us to explore how we can work together to bring relevant and impactful learning opportunities to internationally trained professionals.

06/09/2026

👉 Are you an internationally trained skilled trades professional looking to continue your career in Canada?

The Credential Recognition Program (CRP) at World Skills Employment Centre can help you explore skilled trades opportunities, understand certification requirements, navigate apprenticeship pathways, and prepare for the Trade Equivalency Assessment (TEA) - https://www.skilledtradesontario.ca/experienced-workers/trade-equivalency-assessment/.

Your international experience matters, and your skills belong here. Connect with us to learn how we can support your journey toward a career in Ontario's skilled trades sector.

📩 Contact us at [email protected] to get started.

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.