Employment Support for Refugees with Lower Levels of English in Their First Year in Canada
Led by MOSAIC, this project pilots a targeted training and employment support approach for refugees within their first year in Canada who face barriers to accessing existing services, particularly due to lower levels of English proficiency. Delivered through two cohorts serving up to 24 participants, the project combines customized language training with early labour market supports, cohort-based peer learning, and supported referral pathways between settlement and employment services. The approach builds on insights from a 2025 Future Skills Centre project and addresses gaps in current services from the perspective of refugees navigating employment systems in British Columbia.
The project tests whether targeted programming accelerates labour market integration and self-sufficiency for refugees with low English proficiency. Through ongoing evaluation, the project examines which elements of the programming, such as tailored English language training and first language supports, are most effective in helping participants find and sustain employment, and how participant outcomes compare with historical settlement and employment trajectories. Findings will be used to refine the program and inform future replication.
Project Details
Capability: Program Evaluation/ Performance Measurement
Policy Area: Immigration and Settlement - Newcomers Labour Market Integration
Population: Newcomers
Start Date: March 2026
Completion Date: January 2028
Sponsors: MOSAIC
Other Related Projects
Understanding the Experiences of Equity-Deserving Students and Prospective Students who Face Barriers Accessing Student Financial Assistance
This project examines the experiences of equity-deserving individuals who face barriers to accessing student financial assistance (SFA) in Canada. Despite the availability of federal…
Read More
Sector Consultation on AMSSA’s IRCC-Funded Services
SRDC is contracted by AMSSA to conduct a sector consultation and collect feedback on their IRCC-funded indirect services.
Read More
Strategic Learning Partner for PIAAC Research Initiative
FSC has partnered with SRDC to launch a new research initiative to advance the use of the OECD’s Programme for the International Assessment of…
Read More
