Empowering Racialized Newcomer Women (ERNW) Program

Ready to Get Started? Discover how the ERNW program can transform your career journey. Join our upcoming information session to learn more and take the first step toward unlocking new opportunities! 

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Empowerment Program for Racialized Newcomer Women

The Empowering Racialized Newcomer Women (ERNW) Program, developed by World Skills and funded by IRCC, in partnership with Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO), is an innovative initiative dedicated to facilitating the integration of racialized newcomer women into the Canadian labour market. Originating from a successful pilot research project, the ERNW program remains committed to empowering racialized newcomer women by addressing the specific challenges they face, thereby breaking down barriers to employment.

Empower Your Career: Transformative Workshops

The ERNW Program offers a series of interactive workshops every 6 weeks, each lasting 7 days (from 9 AM to 4 PM). These workshops provide personalized interventions, expert coaching, practical skill-building, and valuable insights to support your career journey.

Your Commitment:

7 days spread over 2 weeks from 9am – 4pm

Upcoming WorkShop Cohorts:

  • Cohort 1: May 5 – May 14, 2025
  • Cohort 2: June 16 – June 25, 2025
  • Cohort 3: July 21 – July 30, 2025
  • Cohort 4: Sept. 8 – Sept. 17, 2025
99%

99% of clients say that the program exceeded their expectations 

Eligibility Criteria

  • Visible Minority Newcomer Woman
  • Permanent Resident of Canada OR Protected Person and/or Convention Refugee with a valid work permit
  • Unemployed or underemployed
  • Canadian Language Benchmark 5 or higher or equivalent in English

Here’s a glimpse of what we offer:

Women Empowerment and Employment Workshop

Unlock your full potential by developing confidence, cultivating a positive mindset, and creating a clear career plan to thrive in today’s competitive workforce.

Mastering Personal Branding & Networking for Career Advancement

Craft a powerful personal brand and leverage networking strategies to accelerate your career. Learn to present your authentic self and build lasting professional relationships.

Navigating the Labour Market

Gain valuable insights into the Canadian labour market. Learn how to research and apply market intelligence for a more effective and targeted job search.

Resume & Cover Letter Crafting for Success

Create compelling resumes and cover letters tailored to specific job opportunities. This workshop equips you with the tools to highlight your skills and stand out to hiring managers.

Mastering Interviews from Employers’ Perspectives

Learn what employers really look for in candidates. Gain insider tips on interview etiquette, expectations, and how to effectively communicate your strengths.

Interview Confidence Building, Digital Interviews & STAR Technique

Boost your interview confidence with mock interviews and personalized feedback. Master your digital interview skills, explore different platforms, and learn online communication etiquette, while structuring your responses using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to showcase your skills with precision.

Leveraging Cold Calling, Networking, and LinkedIn for Career Growth

Master the art of cold calling, strategic networking, and optimizing your LinkedIn profile. Unlock new career opportunities and expand your professional network.

Be Heard by Canadian Employers

Refine your communication skills to make a lasting impression on Canadian employers. Learn how to stand out, engage effectively in interviews, and communicate your value with confidence.

Gender-Specific Programming for Racialized Newcomer Women

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Six months of personalized employment counseling and recruitment support

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Access to a network of employers and employment opportunities 

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Development of career action plans

See What Past Clients Have to Say About Their Experience!

Being part of this Cohort was an incredible experience that led to a job offer in my field. I’m deeply grateful to the ERNW team for their unwavering support and invaluable guidance. The tips I received made all the difference—during the interview, the recruiter remarked, ‘You’re amazing. You’ve said all the key things I wanted to hear. You are exactly what the bank needs.’ Thanks to the program, I’m motivated to advance my career in finance and banking and hope to mentor future newcomer women. Thank you to the ERNW team and everyone in the program!

Amina D., Bilingual Senior Banker with 14 years of experience

When I arrived in Canada from Morocco in June 2023, I brought with me a PhD in Applied Economics and over 15 years of experience in program management. Shortly after my arrival, I joined the Empowering Racialized Newcomer Women (ERNW) program at World Skills, which played a pivotal role in my career progression. Through the program, I gained essential job search skills, such as tailoring my applications to meet specific job demands and learning how to effectively network. The ENRW program also introduced me to recruitment and networking events, which ultimately led to my first Canadian role as a Public Engagement Officer at WUSC.

Hajar L., Public Engagement Officer

Arriving in Canada and leaving behind a comfortable and successful life in my home country made me feel quite lost; however, the ERNW program helped me emphasize my strengths. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to World Skills and the entire ERNW program team for their incredible support and guidance during my journey as a newcomer to Canada. After six months of searching, I finally secured a fantastic opportunity as a Senior HR Advisor with a federal Crown corporation. The resources and networking opportunities provided were invaluable, and the encouragement I received helped me regain confidence in my professional path.

Hasna A., Senior HR Advisor

Employer Connections

The ERNW program provides participants with valuable opportunities to directly engage with employers through events such as the monthly Employer Coaching Sessions and Targeted Recruitment Events. These interventions are crucial in breaking down common labour market integration barriers, such as skills gaps, lack of local experience, and limited networking opportunities. They allow participants to overcome these challenges, expand their professional networks, and create direct connections with employers.

The Employer Coaching Sessions are an integral part of the 7-day ERNW workshop series, offering participants an informal opportunity to present their branding statement and elevator pitch to senior professionals. This session allows them to showcase their skills, build confidence, and make lasting impressions, while also providing a platform to ask questions and gain insights from employers.

The Targeted Recruitment Events are exclusive, employer-led opportunities designed to facilitate focused interaction between participants and potential employers, creating a strategic environment to help individuals break through employment barriers. These events significantly enhance participants' chances of securing meaningful employment, giving them the opportunity to directly engage with employers and demonstrate their value in a competitive job market.

By actively participating in these employer-driven events, participants increase their visibility, build key local experience, and strengthen their employability, addressing both professional and cultural challenges in the competitive Canadian labour market.

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Circle of Champions

The Circle of Champions stands as one of the cornerstone initiatives within the Empowering Racialized Newcomer Women (ERNW) program. Designed as a dynamic hub of support and empowerment, it serves as a pivotal platform for individuals committed to advancing the careers and opportunities of racialized newcomer women in Canada. Within this circle, participants engage in a variety of activities aimed at fostering mentorship, expanding networks, and advocating for inclusive practices within various industries.

Learn more

FAQ

Racialized newcomer women are individuals who have recently immigrated to Canada and identify as members of racialized groups. They often face unique challenges, including gender- and race-based discrimination, which can impact their integration and employment opportunities. Recognizing these challenges, the Government of Canada has initiated programs aimed at supporting their successful settlement and career advancement.

The Empowering Racialized Newcomer Women Program (ERNW) is a comprehensive initiative designed to support racialized newcomer women in their career journeys. It offers a series of interactive workshops focused on essential skills such as resume writing, interview preparation, personal branding, and networking. Participants also receive personalized employment counseling from Employment Specialists, who guide them through job search strategies, career planning, and interview skills. Additionally, the program's Recruitment Specialists engage employers and facilitate direct connections with them through employer-led coaching sessions and targeted recruitment events. The program also provides mentorship opportunities to help participants gain valuable skills, insights, and practical tools to navigate the Canadian job market, build confidence, and enhance their professional growth.

The Career Action Plan is a strategic tool designed to guide participants toward a successful career in Canada. It provides a structured approach for setting goals, developing skills, and navigating the job market. By working closely with Employment Specialists, participants can proactively shape their career paths and make informed decisions, ensuring long-term success and fulfillment.

Yes, participants receive one-on-one personalized support from a dedicated Employment Specialist and a Recruitment Specialist for a duration of 6 months. This support helps you set career goals, refine job search strategies, and improve interview skills and resume development. In addition, the team will assist in targeting your applications and endorsing them to employers.

To get started, simply register for one of the ERNW program information sessions and express your interest. Once enrolled, you will gain access to the workshops and support resources designed to help you succeed in your career. Please follow the link to register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/information-session-empowering-racialized-newcomer-women-ernw-program-tickets-696647921687