The YMCA of Greater Saint John. (Image: saintjohny.ymca.ca)
Employers were invited to a virtual brunch to talk about the challenges, gaps and opportunities that newcomers face with employment and hiring in Saint John.
The Employment Engagement Brunch is part of the three-year, federally funded Service Delivery Program to help newcomers in finding meaningful jobs in desired sectors with language training, skills development programs and introducing local employers to global recruitment opportunities.
Kathryn Melvin is the general manager of newcomer and community connections at the YMCA of Greater Saint John.
“Getting the chance to have these discussions was a key component of the event, not only to help us shape our programs and services but also to provide employers a safe space to share experiences and get an understanding of the contribution newcomers bring to the workforce,” said Melvin.
There were 60 community stakeholders attending with high engagement and Melvin said they were encouraged to hear common themes.
“Having some employers there who are looking to fill labour market gaps and understand some best practices and understand the resources and supports available to them in the community is how we see moving forward,” Melvin said.
Experiences in dealing with labour shortages, hardships in hiring and retaining newcomers, challenging cultural and racial bias in the workplace and achieving a more inclusive space were all topics discussed with participants.
“I think we’re doing well. We have a lot of partners who are working together to support newcomers in various aspects of their lives. Employment is a key factor in settlement and integration in the community.”
The reports from the brunch and the Service Deliver Program are expected to be released by summer.
