Employment and Education Navigation
Employment and Education Service
The primary focus of the Employment and Education service area is to support the settlement needs of both youth and adults. We specifically focus on helping to navigate post-secondary opportunities and to provide targeted, practical employment interventions that support securing predominantly entry-level and transitional employment positions. Ages 16+)
- One-on-one support
- Group sessions workshops
- Information and referral
UPCOMING JOB FAIRS
YMCA NEWCOMERS JOB FAIR – CONSTRUCTION AND HOSPITALITY
Join us in a newcomer-friendly job fair featuring diverse opportunities in construction and hospitality!
This event brings together employers offering exciting opportunities in hospitality, construction, and related roles. It’s a valuable opportunity for job seekers, especially newcomers, to build meaningful connections with employers, explore career pathways, and learn about available community resources in a supportive environment.
Date & Time: Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 10am – 1pm
Location: YMCA Immigrant Services, 104-7071 Bayers Road, Halifax NS B3L 2C2
REGISTER FOR THE NEWCOMERS JOB FAIR – HOSPITALITY & CONSTRUCTION HERE
Confirmed organizations:
- Celtic Construction
- Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council
- DORA Construction
- Cherubini Bridges and Structures
- Halifax Water
- Marriott Habourfront
- Events East
FAQs
- What should I bring or prepare for the Newcomers Job Fair – Hospitality & Construction?
Bring multiple copies of your resume, dress in professional attire, and be ready to introduce yourself and share your interest.
Tips to prepare for a job fair:
- Research the employers! Before the fair, read about each employer online through their websites so you have an understanding of the work they do and the opportunities they offer.
- Prepare a short professional introduction to use when you connect with employers. Include your name, your professional background and what opportunities you are interested in.
- Dress professionally like you would for a job interview.
- Bring printed copies of your resume; keep them neatly in a folder so you can properly present your resume to employers.
- Should I bring my resume to the fair?
Yes! It’s recommended to bring several copies of your resume to share with potential employers and educational program representatives. Resume printing is not provided – make sure you have resume copies ready on the day of the job fair. - Do I need to register in advance?
Yes, registration is encouraged. Signing up ensures you’ll receive important email updates, reminders, and a list of participating organizations before the fair. Register for the job fair here. - What types of organizations will be at the fair?
You’ll meet employers offering roles in hospitality and construction, as well as organizations offering training programs and providing support for jobseekers.
Questions & Contact Information
If you have any questions about the job fair, reach out to Diem Pham at [email protected].
What we offer?
Eligibility:
– Permanent Residents, Convention Refugees, or individuals with MOME2023 remarks on work permit
– CLB 6+ in English
– Post-secondary education and experience in teaching or child care
Bridge to Work – Early Childhood Education Program
This FREE program is designed for individuals with international teaching or child care experience who are looking to build a successful career in Canada. The program helps participants connect their past experience and skills to the Canadian labor market, gain workplace culture knowledge, and advance their careers in the field.
Program Highlights:
2 weeks of pre-employment training, including:
• First Aid/CPR-C certification
• Canadian workplace practices and training in Early Childhood Education (ECE) topics
• 16-week placement after successfully passing a secured interview
Ongoing support, including:
• Routine follow-ups
• Site visits
• Mentorship support during the placement
English in the Workplace (English at Work)
English in the Workplace is a 12-week training program for un-employed newcomers. We offer teaching informal English language skills in a workplace setting. You will meet with our team once a week for 90 minutes. This program will help you with the language you need for your job. The course is intended for individuals at the elementary level of English proficiency, who want to improve their communication skills in informal workplace settings.
Read the Halifax Chamber of Commerce 2018 Business Voice article: Women Empowering Women
YMCA Newcomer Employment Hub
YMCA Employment and Education Department respond to the needs of our clients by providing much-needed employment programs to address some of the barriers related to entering the labor market.
We offer 4 sessions per month:
- Week 1: Resume writing
- Week 2: Cover Letter
- Week 3: Mock interview
- Week 4: Practical session
Reach for Success
Reach for Success is a youth-focused initiative that provides employment and education support to help young individuals excel in their academic and professional journeys. Our dedicated team offers personalized one-on-one and group support after school hours, assisting youth in various areas.
Program Schedule:
Every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Location:
- Tuesdays: Keshen Goodman Public Library
- Thursdays: YMCA Centre for Immigrant Programs
Additional Support:
Mobile employment School Support: We understand that some students may attend schools that are far away, making it challenging to access our regular program locations. to ensure that no student is left behind, we provide mobile support sessions for different schools within the HRM area.
Key Program Features:
Employment Navigation:
- Resume and cover letter writing assistance
- Job application support
- Job search assistance
- Employer connections
- Work-life balance guidance
Post-Secondary Education Navigation:
- Exploration of university and college programs
- Assistance with university/college applications
- Support in applying for scholarships, bursaries, and student loans.
Contact information
YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth I Centre for Immigrant Programs
104-7071 Bayer’s Road
Halifax, NS B3L 2C2