Langara College Continuing Studies has received funding to continue offering specialized skills training for immigrant and racialized women. The two-year, $350,000 Skills Training for Employment Program for People who face Multiple Barriers grant is provided by the Ministry of Post- Secondary Education and Future Skills.
"This funding provides access to the training that new Canadians need to enter and be successful in the job market," said Connie Chong, Dean of Continuing Studies, Langara College. "We take pride in being a premiere pathways college and providing opportunities for people from a wide demographic and very different backgrounds to continue their education."
The 32-week online Computer Skills for the Office Short Certificate Program for Immigrant and Racialized Women is a transformative and inclusive initiative aimed at empowering immigrant and racialized women through comprehensive skills and pre-employment training. The program offers targeted support to facilitate students' entry or transition into office administrative positions.
Through a partnership with Tandem Innovation Group, program participants will have invaluable opportunities to explore an array of work opportunities and gain access to a supportive network that can propel their careers forward. The next cohort begins January 2024, with another cohort to follow in September 2024.
"Studying at Langara College, as a journalist, has allowed me to upgrade my skills and will help me find a job more easily and soon. It's also a wonderful feeling to study in a full group of women in diversity and learn from each other's experiences," said former student Shanga Karim. "I received so much positivity and courage from my classmates. I enjoyed how my little son can understand mommy's class time and it helped to show him that moms can have more responsibilities rather than just staying at home."
The valuable insights of past program participants have guided the design of a program that is accessible and meaningful to new students. Equipping the participants with the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to thrive in office administrative positions paves the way for greater representation, upward mobility, and improved economic well-being within their communities.
Former student Marleni Curi added: "I am sure that without the training of the Computer Skills for the Office Program it was not possible to get my current job. As a result, I am providing a better quality of life for my family."
Langara College has a strong history of providing programming to people who face multiple barriers: older workers, survivors of violence and/or abuse, young adults at risk, persons with disabilities, and others.
From 2008 to 2016, Langara offered Employment Skills Access program to prepare participants who are unemployed or underemployed to gain jobs. Since 2021, Langara College has successfully delivered grant funded specialized skills training and employment readiness programs to immigrant and racialized women.
