MOOSE JAW — The Moose Jaw Newcomer Welcome Centre (NWC) is rolling out another month of programming aimed at helping newcomers settle into both the workforce and community life.
Melissa Mitchell, manager of the NWC, said the centre has been busy with multiple programs, particularly in the areas of employment readiness and job networking.
“We have two employment programs within our office here,” Mitchell said earlier, speaking from the NWC. “One is our employment readiness facilitator program. This program helps get clients ready to (enter) the job market, and the employment connections advisor is someone who connects with employers to help get those individuals ready for work.”
Upcoming “Are You Ready to Work” courses:
Local job market and networking: Took place June 5 and repeats on Tuesday, June 17
Computer literacy: Thursday, June 12, and repeats on Tuesday, June 24
Resume and cover letter writing: Thursday, June 19
Job searching: Thursday, June 26
All workshops take place at the NWC and start at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and 4 p.m. on Thursdays, unless otherwise specified. For a full program lineup for June and July, call 306-692-6892 or email [email protected].
Community integration
In addition to employment-focused programs, the NWC helps foster social connections through its ongoing Community Café, a monthly gathering designed to bring newcomers and established residents together.
“It’s actually a monthly event … and we’re really trying to encourage more people to join in,” Mitchell said in an earlier interview. The event takes place on the third Thursday of each month, is open to the whole community, and begins at 7 p.m. at the NWC, located at 432 Main Street North.
The Community Café provides a space for newcomers to practice English, make friends, and build professional networks in their new home. It also offers a chance for employers to connect with potential hires in a relaxed setting.
“We’ve had really great success with new friendships developing through these types of programs,” Mitchell noted.
Upcoming Community Café workshops:
June: Thursday, June 19, starting at 7 p.m.
July: Thursday, July 17, starting at 7 p.m.
Youth Employment Camp
The NWC is inviting local youth to take part in its Youth Employment Camp, a week-long skill-building workshop designed to help newcomers prepare for the workforce.
Running from July 7 to 11, the camp will take place daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the NWC, located at 432 Main Street North.
Aimed at newcomer youth aged 16 to 21, the program offers hands-on training in essential employment skills, including resume writing, interview techniques, and job searching. Certification is also offered in WHMIS, Safe Food Handling, and Service Best, a customer service training program developed by Tourism Saskatchewan. The camp is open to permanent residents and newcomers with open work permits, and pre-registration is required.
To sign up or to learn more, call 306-692-6892.
Summer safety and recreation
The NWC is kicking off the season with a summer safety and recreation session on July 7 at 3:30 p.m., offering newcomers and residents alike helpful tips to make the most of the warmer months.
The session, held at the Welcome Centre at 432 Main Street North, will feature guest speaker April Rubbelke, Aquatic Supervisor at the Kinsmen Sportsplex, who will share important advice on sun safety, water safety, and more.
Attendees will also learn about local parks and recreation options, get yard care and gardening tips specific to Saskatchewan’s climate, and discover upcoming summer events happening around Moose Jaw. The session is open to everyone and no registration is required.
The Newcomer Welcome Centre is located at 432 Main Street North. For more information, visit MJNWC.ca or follow “Moose Jaw Newcomer Welcome Centre” on Facebook for updated program information. To speak with a member of the team, call 306-692-6892.
