Bhaktiben found her dream career
As an immigrant to Canada Bhaktiben Ahir knows exactly how hard it is to find work and settle into life in a new country.
Bhaktiben left India to settle into a new life in Canada but during the pandemic she was laid off from her job in recruiting and was unemployed for a year.
“I was in urgent need to get a job that I desire but all my efforts were in vain,” Bhaktiben said. “I wanted to work with immigrants and help new people settle down. However, my previous work experience and lack of any Canadian qualifications did not allow me to find such a job.”
She tried for a year before she finally reached out to WorkBC Centre Surrey Newton for employment services. WorkBC provided her a case manager and self-service options like job listings, job search resources, webinars, and self-assessment tools. Her WorkBC employment counsellor told her about a training opportunity as a Multicultural Worker and that was exactly the kind of work Bhaktiben had been hoping for.
She applied to participate in the training course and was accepted. During the four-month-long Multicultural Worker certification, Bhaktiben learned administrative skills and referral making, and refined her listening, sensitivity, and empathy skills. “With this course, I got an opportunity to actually work as a Settlement Worker,” she said. “During my practicum, I helped new immigrants to settle down who are new to our country. It felt really great helping newcomers since I too was once in the same boat.”
WorkBC also provided financial support to assist Bhaktiben during her training period. Financial support helps cover the cost of commuting to work/training, essential work clothing, tools, and supplies, and language interpretation.
With the additional support of WorkBC’s wage subsidy, Bhaktiben is now employed as a Settlement Worker for a local organization that provides intercultural community services. She said, “I really appreciate the hard work and team effort put in by the WorkBC Centre Surrey Newton. Thank you WorkBC for all that you do.”
Bhaktiben said, “I have always been in search of a career where I could help someone settle down in their life,” and now thanks to WorkBC, she has her dream career and is helping immigrants settle into their new lives in Canada.
