Newcomer Centre's NEST Program
Designed to build newcomers’ essential skills for employment success.
what we can help you with
Introduced in August 2021, NEST is a 5-month, full-time, applied learning training program that prepares newcomers and immigrants with the knowledge and skills to participate in the larger social community and economic environment.
The NEST program builds essential and transferable employment skills for enhanced life experiences for participants, as well as offers personalized approach to learning by providing individual coaching sessions, group training focused on applied learning and workplace exposure.
Essential skills are:
- Reading text
- Use of documents
- Writing
- Working with numbers
- Oral communication
- Thinking skills
- Working with others
- Computer use
- Continuous learning
participant benefits
There are many benefits to participants of the NEST program including:
- Increased employability or eligibility for further training
- Increased essential skills competencies
- Enhanced self-confidence in abilities and accomplishments
- Elevated positive attitude to continuous learning
- Demonstrated initiative through innovation
- Enhanced confidence to make decisions more independently
- Improved resiliency / ability to cope with changes
Additionally, Newcomer Centre staff also offer assistance in supporting participants with:
- Improving English communication skills
- Understanding Canadian culture
- Learning computers
- Developing relationships
- Increasing awareness of the labour market
- Conducting successful job searches
- Researching employment and education opportunities
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how the program works
This program is delivered twice a year to 14 eligible applicants each time and includes (20) weeks of full-time classes:
- 30 hours per week from Monday to Friday from 9:30 am—4 pm
- 90 days (3 months) of supported follow up
program eligibility
Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Reside in Alberta;
- Be a Permanent Resident, new Canadian Citizen or Refugee with Positive Notice of Decision Letter
- Have a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of Level 3 to 5 in all skill areas: reading, writing, speaking and listening
- Be highly motivated and committed to completing the program
- Be available to attend the full 5 months of full-time training.
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upcoming programs
The NEST program is a hybrid model split between in-class and online learning. Some days students attend in person, and other days they are online. All in-person classes are at our Newcomer Centre downtown location at 10170 112 Street NW.
Our next program dates are:
- July 29 – Dec. 20, 2024
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find out more
Depending on household income, participants may qualify for a monthly living allowance while participating in the Newcomer Centre’s NEST program.
- View NEST Brochure
- Contact: Digna Lopez at dlopez@newcomercentre.com or call 780-423-9687
program funded by
This program is funded by Alberta Advanced Education Foundational Learning Assistance.
