Whitehorse Employers Benefit By YC New-comer Program

Whitehorse – Whitehorse employers gain new perspectives from students with Yukon College’s Enhanced Language Training (ELT) program. Business owners and organizations who offer to participate in the student work placement program not only profit from the extra help but may also benefit from the cultural exchange. Students bring their expertise to the workplace while learning about the methods and customs in Canada.

Funding partners Yukon Advanced Education and CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada) together with Yukon College provide a program that reduces the barriers immigrants face when the job search takes place. The 15-week college program assists newcomers to Canada to upgrade their English, learn about Canadian work culture, and experience a two-week work placement in a business in Whitehorse.

“Whitehorse is becoming more diverse,” says Joe Binger, instructor of the ELT program. “Canadians realize that we can benefit by bringing our differences together to come up with the best solution. Instructor Jamella Hagen adds, “We hear really positive comments from employers who have participated in the program about the students’ willingness and enthusiasm to contribute.” The instructors work with the students to refine their English and expose them to the Yukon and Canadian culture. Understanding the new culture is an integral piece in finding and retaining employment for immigrants.

More information about this program can be found at

http://www.yukoncollege.yk.ca/programs/info/enhanced_language_training/

Ann Bowen

Coordinator, College Relations

Yukon College

867 668 8786

abowen@yukoncollege.yk.ca

www.yukoncollege.yk.ca