ICC’s Newcomer Skills Accelerator Program has partnered with organizations across Canada to give volunteers the opportunity to challenge themselves and enhance their skill set in Canadian workplaces. And thanks to our volunteers’ hard work, we have the chance to continue building on this program.

Hafsa Asaf is a volunteer who participated in Katimavik’s FuturePerfect program. FuturePerfect is a 14-week employment training program for those looking to build their professional skills in tourism. Aligned with the goal of the Newcomers Skills Accelerator Program, this initiative matches individuals from across Canada with real employers.

Katimavik focuses on empowering youth by providing them with the tools they need to navigate a professional landscape. Here, they can find and pursue opportunities through an environment that is a friendly, open space focused on collective growth. Throughout Hafsa’s time with the organization, Katimavik organized several workshops on the rights of employees, tenants, and citizens, as well as offering feedback and how to approach the job market, prepare for interviews, and so much more. Hafsa mentioned that these tools and mentoring will stay with her for a lifetime, even if she switches to another career path in the future.

What stood out to Hafsa the most was the opportunity to move to another province and city. After spending three months with the FutureProgram in Quebec City, Hafsa made friends from all over Canada – from Manitoba to New Brunswick, and from Vancouver to Toronto. She learned more about Canadian history and had the chance to learn a new language. She is now a proud beginner in French and hopes to take more classes to become fluent, which is an amazing feat to achieve in such a short time.

Initially, Hafsa thought volunteering meant helping kids cross the road on their way back to school. However, after signing up through Canoo to the Newcomer Skills Accelerator Program, she was amazed at the volunteering options available. With no prior experience in the travel and tourism industry, she was guided every step of the way and commended for the good work and effort she put in. With this experience, Hafsa feels more confident talking to employers than when she landed in Canada two years ago. She has also developed a strong appreciation for Canada’s diverse and inclusive culture and is proud to call Canada her home.

Hafsa has secured a part-time remote job with the same employer she volunteered for. Realizing the importance of volunteering, making connections, and getting a foot in the door, Hafsa is still looking for more volunteer opportunities alongside her part-time job.

“From the legal sector to graphic design, to marketing and hospitals, and support workers. When applying for your volunteer roles, stay open to the possibility that by bringing your professional work etiquette to the table you are increasing your chances of converting your volunteer role into a paid position.”

Hafsa mentioned that for many people, the fear of starting from scratch after working for years in another country is what stops most from taking volunteering opportunities.

“No opportunity is small; it is the way we view it and act on it that determines how big or small the opportunity is.”

Credit: Hafsa Asaf

Congratulations to Hafsa for securing a job with the same employer! This is truly what the Newcomer Skills Accelerator Program is for – connecting newcomers to organizations that help them build skills and Canadian experience while building a network for the future.

To learn more about the Institue for Canadian Citizenship’s volunteer program, Newcomer Skills Accelerator Program, click here.