Centre for Immigration Launches Spring Cohort of Employment Support Program

SYDNEY, N.S. — Following the success of its inaugural winter cohort, the Cape Breton Island Centre for Immigration (CBICI) is pleased to announce the launch of the spring cohort of its Employment Support Program, set to begin this April. The cohort, one component of the broader Employment Support Program, is now accepting applications from eligible international students seeking to build skills and connections for meaningful career opportunities in Cape Breton.

This 8-week program is designed to help international students successfully transition into the local workforce by building essential skills, knowledge, and connections. Through sector-specific workshops, workplace culture training, and networking opportunities, participants will be better prepared to navigate the Canadian job market and pursue meaningful career pathways.

“The Employment Support Cohort provides international students with practical tools, tailored guidance, and meaningful connections to navigate the local job market with confidence. We are proud to support participants in taking the next steps toward their career goals,” said Lydia Barikdar, CBICI’s Employment Support Worker.

The program is open to international students graduating in May or November 2026 who are able to commit to one weekly session (Mondays, 3–4 hours). Participants should also have an interest in pursuing careers in one of the following sectors: healthcare, hospitality and tourism, or skilled trades (construction).

Each cohort is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a personalized and supportive learning experience.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• Sector insights and Q&A sessions with industry professionals
• Overview of the Canadian job market and job search process
• Workplace culture, safety, labour standards, and employee rights
• Professional communication and career readiness training
• Community integration and networking opportunities
• Job-specific certifications such as First Aid/CPR and WHMIS

The program’s first cohort demonstrated strong outcomes, with participants reporting increased confidence, improved job application materials, and a deeper understanding of the local labour market. Several participants have already secured employment or are actively advancing in their job search.

Rajeshwari Kumar, a Business Analytics Post-Baccalaureate Diploma student at Cape Breton University (CBU), described the program as “a truly valuable experience.”

“The program was thoughtfully designed to help students understand the Canadian job market and develop effect job search and networking strategies,” she said. “Through the sessions, I gained practical knowledge, useful resources, and greater confidence in preparing for my career journey.”

Jack Nguyen, who studies Supply Chain Management in CBU’s Post-Baccalaureate Diploma program, said he gained skills he can use right away in current and future jobs.

“I am so happy to share my experience as a member of the first Employment Support Program cohort. The program is full of useful information about the workplace and professional skills,” he said. “It has really widened my social network, not only with other members of the program but also with the speakers who already have experience in the workplace.”

The Employment Support Cohort is delivered by CBICI with support from the provincial government’s Community Economic Development Fund.

Interested students are encouraged to apply early, as spaces are limited. For more information or to apply, please contact Lydia Barikdar at lbarikdar@newdawn.ca.

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QUICK FACTS
• The Employment Support Cohort runs for 8 weeks, with one session per week (3–4 hours).
• This spring offering is the second cohort of the program, following a successful pilot this winter.
• Each cohort is limited to 10 participants to ensure a personalized experience.
• Eligible participants must be international students graduating in May or November 2026.

ABOUT NEW DAWN

New Dawn is Canada’s oldest Community Development Corporation. Since 1976, we’ve been working to create a more just, healthy, and self-determined community by responding to local needs and driving long-term, systems-level change. Today, New Dawn continues to focus on self-reliance, resilience, and community-led transformation. Every day, we engage thousands of community members and employ over 150 Cape Bretoners through programs and services that are practical, creative, and grounded in care. Our work spans health and social care, housing, the arts, youth and family services, immigration, and community development. Some of these services generate revenue, which we reinvest into our organization — fueling sustainability and deepening community impact.

ABOUT THE CAPE BRETON ISLAND CENTRE FOR IMMIGRATION (CBICI)

The Cape Breton Island Centre for Immigration (CBICI) is a settlement services provider located in downtown Sydney, Cape Breton-Unama’ki, dedicated to welcoming and supporting all newcomers to the region. Its core mission is to help orient, connect, and advocate for immigrants, refugees, and international students to ensure their successful settlement and integration into the community. For ten years now, CBICI has been providing a comprehensive range of settlement and integration services designed to support all newcomers in establishing a successful life in their new community.