A new Brock program aims to help internationally trained professionals secure a job in their field that matches their level of education and experience.

Offered by the Goodman School of Business, the Canadian Business for Internationally Trained Professionals program will run from April 7 to June 23 online.

The program is organized by Goodman Group, Goodman’s community-focused learning and development services provider, in collaboration with eight community partners from across Niagara and Hamilton.

Janet Madume, Executive Director of the Welland Heritage Council, says internationally trained professionals can benefit greatly from a program that helps them understand and adapt to Canadian workplace culture and processes.

“We have been wanting to see a program like this in Niagara for years to support internationally trained professionals,” Madume said. “We are grateful for the shared vision and partnership of Goodman Group on this initiative.

“Although we have seen some employment successes during the pandemic, for many it has put their progress on hold due to not being able to reach regulatory bodies, education institutions in their countries of origin or services for assistance,” she said.

Goodman Group Director Abdul Rahimi said the program is designed to show employers that although these employees may be new to the country, they are equipped with the skills to easily transition into jobs in Canada today.

“We frequently hear from employers about the skills they would like to see in their employees. Internationally trained professionals bring this expertise and experience, and what they lack in terms of the Canadian context, they make up with their international perspective,” he said. “By providing them with essential knowledge of the Canadian business environment, the program bridges that gap and gets them ready to make a difference sooner.”

The three-month program provides participants with an academic component that’s paired with experiential learning. Participants will work with local organizations to help understand the cultural and professional landscape in Niagara. The academic courses focus on business law, business communication and Ontario-specific information on accounting, human resource management, labour standards and employment law.

To offset the financial cost of enrolment, financial assistance is available as well as complimentary child care. Scholarship details are available on the Goodman Group website. Participants can also save 10 per cent on the program’s total cost of $3,295 plus HST by registering online before the early-bird deadline of Sunday, March 7.

The program is a collaboration between Goodman Group, Welland Heritage Council and Multicultural Centre, Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre, Niagara Workforce Planning Board, Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce, YMCA of Niagara, CERF Niagara and Immigrants Working Centre in Hamilton.