AHC’s Employment Supports Program has three main areas of focus in addition to walk-in supports provided in our Community Resource Hub.
One-on-One Supports
Training & Assessment Programs
Workforce Exposure Events and Networking
Resources
Our Employment Supports team can share knowledge and resources about Alberta employers and industries, the Alberta job market, workforce integration, educational credential assessment, job search techniques, career opportunities, employment trends, and much more.
AHC offers individual employment supports to *permanent residents and refugee claimants.
*If you do not meet these eligibility requirements, you are welcome to access our Community Resource Hub and to inquire about group activities/programming.
One-on-One Supports are Designed to Help Clients:
Build and maintain confidence
Increase their understanding of the labour market, job postings, and training opportunities
Develop workplace essential skills and improve English language skills
Overcome barriers to accessing the job market
Maintain motivation and engagement in the job search
Consider and explore different career and training opportunities
Employment Counsellors work with clients in a three-phase process
In an initial meeting, ECs will discuss the job seeker’s education and work experiences, foreign credentials/certifications, job/career goals and the current job market. ECs will support clients to self identify transferable skills and potential skill gaps that can be addressed by training.
Following the initial skills assessment and information sharing, an EC will invite the client to co-create an Employment Action Plan (EAP). The EAP includes the client’s own inputs, including their self-identified needs and priorities, plus short- and long-term goals.
Together, the EC and client can update the EAP as priorities or goals change over time. By using this client-centred approach, AHC is able to respond to client needs and adapt supports when needed, to better support the client’s journey to employment and labour market integration.
Our team members are also open to discussing self-employment and entrepreneurship with clients. Clients may also consider contacting AHC’s Entrepreneurship Supports Program.
To inquire about one-on-one supports, contact AHC’s Intake Team at: intake@a4hc.ca or call 780-966-4687
Workforce Participation Programs (WPP)
WPPs offer targeted language, essential skills, and workplace culture training to support newcomer entry into specific industries. New programs are driven by labour market demand and relationships with employers and industry.
Find program information below. Please contact us to express interest in programs regardless of identified program scheduling, as programs may be offered more frequently based on interest. To express interest in a program and be added to a waitlist, contact Anane Dabala at anane.dabala@a4hc.ca or call 780-235-3580.
Licensed Security Guard
Employment Outcomes:
Security Guard
Asset Protection Officer
Loss Prevention Officer
This program is offered year-round based on both employer and job seeker demand.
Eligibility
CLB 5+ with strong oral communication
No serious criminal record, outstanding criminal charges, or pending criminal investigation
Essential Skills for Construction
Employment Outcomes:
General Construction Labourer
This program is offered in the Spring of each year.
Eligibility
CLB 4+ with strong oral communication
Physically fit – can safely lift and carry 30Ibs
Comfortable with heights – ladders, stilts, platform work
Essential Skills for Customer Service
Employment Outcomes:
Retail Sales Associate
Cashier
Stocking Associate
Store Stock Clerks
This program is offered in the Spring and Summer but may be offered more frequently based on employer and job seeker demand
Eligibility
CLB 4+ with strong oral communication
Essential Skills for Hospitality
Employment Outcomes:
Dishwasher
Kitchen Helper
Banquet Attendant
This program is offered in the Spring and Summer but may be offered more frequently based on employer and job seeker demand.
Eligibility
CLB 3-5 and ready to work
Essential Skills for Food Handling
Employment Outcomes:
Kitchen Porter
Prep Cook
Pantry Cook
This program runs in the Summer but may be offered more frequently based on employer and job seeker demand.
Eligibility
Completed Essential Skills for Hospitality or CLB 5+
Tax Filing Professional
Employment Outcomes:
Taxpayer Services Agent
Payroll Administrator
Financial Administrator
Recruitment for this program begins in January of each year, training takes place in February and volunteer work placement runs during tax season between March-May
Eligibility
Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident with more than one year of residency
CLB 7+
Strong computer/digital skills
Welder Assessment and Pathfinding
Open and recruiting
This pilot project is being offered in partnership with CLAC welding shop/CLAC Training in Edmonton to explore formal assessment and employment coaching for experienced welders who have immigrated to Canada.
ASCEND is an innovative and interactive online learning program focusing on building newcomer soft skills. The program consists of seven interactive online modules, six workshops, and self-paced and supportive assignments to help you identify and build on existing skills.
Through online learning delivered at no cost to you, you can learn more about your industry, understand Canadian workplace culture, and know what skills you need in your occupation or profession to help you achieve your career goals in Canada! Through this program you will gain the following:
insights into occupational standards and requirements;
clear information about gaps in skills and competencies, and the training required
a comprehensive assessment of knowledge, skills, and abilities (competence) and how they compare to Canadian standards.
Follow the links below to learn more about specific industries
SPRINT is a new initiative implemented under IEC-BC’s FAST program designed to test the concept of a ‘skills passport’ to help internationally trained individuals get hired faster in Canada’s growing tech and biotech industries. Through IEC-BC’s multi-sector partnerships, SPRINT provides a full suite of services to immigrant professionals and connects employers to a skilled talent pool.
The Employment Supports team creates unique events in partnership with local employers to expand newcomers’ awareness of regionally available employment opportunities. These networking events allow employers and newcomers to learn more about each other and informally discuss future opportunities, required training or qualifications, and possible career paths. An ongoing initiative is our Mock Interview Program. Through this program newcomers have the opportunity to practice their interview skills with employer partners representing various sectors. These interactions increase newcomer confidence in their abilities and open the door for future engagement with employers.
Past Events
Force Inspection Service Event
Force Inspection Services hosted AHC clients at their Nisku location for a hiring event and workplace tour. The staff introduced us to office leadership, described their work, and toured the group through inspection and machine shops. All clients were offered one-on-one interviews and several people were extended job offers!
RAM Elevators and Lifts Event
Clients had the opportunity to attend an open house event at RAM Elevators and Lifts. They were given a tour of the facilities and talked to career professionals in the organization. Several clients went on to interview with the organization.
