On Friday June 20, JVS Toronto hosted its 6th annual Bridges to Career Success event. This annual newcomer mentorship and hiring event helps empower immigrating professionals–both pre- and post-arrival–to build their professional networks, gain insights into varying professions, connect with mentors, and apply for jobs.

The virtual event started with a keynote discussion led by JVS Toronto CEO, Allison Steinberg, alongside CIBC Bank Leader, Dhaval Vediya. Dhaval shared his own immigration success story, highlighting his experience of overcoming barriers to entering the workforce, and served as a reminder to Canadian newcomers that even those in advanced careers have had similar experiences and challenges when looking for employment in a new country.

During the event, employers spoke to participants about job opportunities and community partners provided resources that support participants in their journeys to Canada. Additionally, mentors shared their knowledge and insights on a variety of industries, providing guidance to job seekers.

Mentorship plays a crucial role in helping newcomers navigate new work environments and cultures. 60% of recent newcomers expressed difficulty finding employment due to a lack of Canadian experience and holding foreign credentials. (The struggle for success: a look at the barriers faced by immigrants to Canada). Mentoring can help bridge that gap in knowledge and lead to increased job opportunities.

For both pre- and post-arrival immigrants hoping to apply their expertise and credentials in Canada, virtual mentoring and networking is a way to better navigate challenges earlier on. Bridges to Career Success provided newcomers with skills to build their confidence, learn from industry leaders, and better understand how job search and integrate into the Candian labour market.

Over 400 participants engaged in 48 roundtable discussions on various topics including: leveraging transferable skills, AI and labor market trends, and fireside chats where industry leaders provided practical advice and sector-specific insights. One participant said:

Thank you for your efforts in making this event a meaningful experience for attendees like me. I truly appreciated the opportunity to connect with peers and mentors. Looking forward to more such events!

In all, Bridges to Career Success led to meaningful connections, access to resources, and meaningful discussions on the common obstacles that newcomers face. With a hands-on approach, participants were able to gain clarity and inspiration to continuing their careers in Canada. JVS Toronto’s Newcomer Services division is proud to help newcomers thrive in the workplace and beyond as they develop essential networking and employable skills.

We would like to thank Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for helping to fund our newcomer programs, as well as CIBC for sponsoring the event. A special thank you to our mentors, employers, and community partners who gave their time and expertise. Your participation ensures the success of events like this and of the clients we serve.

For more information on all our employment and job search services, contact us.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) for funding JVS Toronto’s START program. This initiative supports newcomers with international experience in the skilled trades by providing access to essential training and licensure support. Training plays a pivotal role in the success of the START program. Every participant has completed a variety of technical and safety courses, and the impact has been truly significant. These trainings are thoughtfully designed to equip newcomers with the certifications, skills, and knowledge necessary to successfully transition into the skilled trades workforce in Canada.

Thanks to our esteemed training partners—WHSC (Working at Heights, First Aid, and WHMIS), Conestoga College (Health and Safety), Canadian Forklift Training Center (Forklift Operation), and Fit Electrician (PLC – Programmable Logic Controller)—participants gain not only valuable certifications but also a boost in confidence and employability. For many, these credentials have opened doors to interviews and meaningful employment in their chosen fields.

Participants have consistently expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to gain these valuable skills. As Vitalii, an internationally trained electrician with 15 years of professional experience and a participant in the START program, shared:

The training helped enhance my resume and show employers my commitment to working in the field in Canada.

Another participant, Henry, an experienced Construction Electrician from Nigeria, credited his forklift training with directly leading to his employment as a forklift technician. For Michelle, an experienced Industrial Electrician from Cameroon and one of the women in the START program, the PLC training was a game-changer—equipping her with skills that are highly relevant to industrial electrical work.

These training sessions don’t just fulfill a requirement—they empower participants to feel job-ready and confident. They now understand the importance of Canadian workplace safety standards and technical certifications, which are often unfamiliar to newcomers. Many participants have noted that without the support of JVS Toronto’s START program, navigating the job market and licensing processes would have been far more difficult.