A look at the Challenges of & Opportunities for Newcomer Students 

Challenges Faced by Refugees & Newcomers in the Canadian Labour Market

The Government of Canada is dedicated to addressing the challenges that newcomers encounter when attempting to access the Canadian labour market. As an illustration, the Panel on Employment Challenges of New Canadians conducted an extensive online consultation, the findings of which were published in a report by the Government of Canada. This consultation brought together a diverse network of stakeholders, each offering valuable insights into the employment journey of newcomers and refugees in Canada in 2015. The report primarily focused on the various employment challenges that newcomers face, the support systems available to them, the role of employers, and the additional measures required to facilitate newcomers' job-seeking efforts (Canada, 2015).

It is crucial to recognize that the challenges faced by refugees and newcomers can vary significantly based on their individual circumstances, including their level of education, skills, prior work experience, and the specific region of Canada where they choose to settle(Canada, 2015).

These challenges are being actively addressed by various entities in Canada, including government agencies, non-profit organisations, and community groups. These organisations provide a wide range of support services designed to help refugees and newcomers successfully integrate into the Canadian labour market (Canada, 2015).

What's particularly noteworthy is that the perception of these challenges varies among different groups of respondents. These groups include individuals, organisations supporting newcomers (OSNs), academics, foreign credential assessment organisations, and government representatives. Although the ranking of challenges may differ, there are several common concerns that are consistently identified by all these groups(Canada, 2015). Addressing these challenges is of paramount importance in facilitating the successful integration of newcomers into the Canadian labour market. 

Based on the consultation, the following results were obtained:

Challenges Faced by SRP Students and Alumni

WUSC’s SRP students and alumni have encountered common challenges while seeking employment in Canada. A significant issue they've faced is the disparity between their expectations and the realities of the job market. Securing their dream jobs often took longer than anticipated, and employers were not always prompt in responding to their job applications. Consequently, many had to initially accept survival jobs in settings such as factories, sports facilities, or part-time research roles before ultimately finding positions that aligned with their skills and qualifications. Their lack of Canadian work experience further complicated their job search while studying, necessitating engagement in part-time research and freelance work for approximately a year to build their professional backgrounds. Unfortunately, their prior experiences from refugee camps often went unnoticed in the Canadian labour market.

Another formidable obstacle was the limited response to their job applications, even after gaining some work experience. The requirement for several years of Canadian work experience by many employers posed a substantial challenge in securing positions that matched their educational qualifications, pushing them toward roles that only demanded a high school diploma. These challenges underscore the need for newcomers to discern the expectations of employers, thereby allowing them to navigate their way from survival jobs to positions that better align with their skills and qualifications.

Notwithstanding these challenges, they persevered by continuously learning, networking, and persistently applying for jobs until they achieved their desired outcomes. Their experiences serve as a source of guidance for other refugee students, emphasising the importance of familiarising themselves with the labour market before their arrival in Canada. This proactive approach prepares them to tackle the challenges and acquaints them with available support systems, enabling their success in the Canadian labour market.

Adapting Expectations and Building a Foundation for Success

During your job search in the early stages of settling in Canada, it's essential to adjust your expectations and remain flexible. Understand that survival jobs or part-time positions can be valuable stepping stones to more suitable roles. Prioritise building relevant work experience and connections, as these can significantly improve your job prospects and contribute to your long-term career growth.

These strategies and tools, when tailored to individual circumstances, can significantly enhance the job-seeking process and overall integration into the Canadian labour market for refugees and newcomers.