North Island Employment Foundations Society (NIEFS) will be presenting at the 35th Annual ASPECT Career Development Conference, today in Richmond.

NIEFS will also be presenting at  the 20th Annual Cannexus Career Development Conference in Ottawa in January.

The Society will share insights from two employment programs, highlighting the urgent need for continued funding.

It will spotlight Crafting Your Career Pathways, a program launched in January 2024 designed for unemployed, underemployed, and precariously employed individuals.

The 12-week program supports New Canadians and those who have been affected by trauma, violence, or abuse through a groundbreaking blend of career development training and expressive arts-based learning.

NIEFS says the hands-on, holistic approach empowers participants to rebuild confidence, identify their strengths, and map out meaningful paths toward sustainable employment.

It works alongside NIEFS’ Skills Bridge program, focused on removing financial barriers for foreign-trained professionals.

Skills Bridge covers costs often overlooked by traditional funding; like credential assessments, licensing fees, interpretation services, and travel for required training.

However, Skills Bridge is now on hold and NIEFS is seeking renewed investment to continue the work.

NIEFS says the presentations at both conferences are both a celebration and a call to Action to build on what is already working.