Free Online Career Counselling Services for Internationally Trained Newcomers in Saskatchewan!

Skilled newcomers residing in Saskatchewan can benefit from the professional support provided by the expert Counsellors at Career Loans. The Career Loans program is a free and virtual service that empowers internationally trained newcomers to achieve their career goals. It is funded by the Government of Canada.  

Since launching in April 2019, Career Loans has helped more than 480 newcomers from 21 different countries. Eligible clients receive free one-on-one career counselling. During this session, newcomers work together with a Counsellor to discuss career options and formulate a personalized action plan. 

Cheryl Murray, an Information and Financial Counsellor (IFC) with the Career Loans program, has 20 years of experience assisting newcomers and delivering a variety of personalized support. 

Career Loans’ counselling sessions are through video or telephone calls. As it is difficult to meet in person, the virtual nature of the program allows newcomers to access the services from the comfort of their own homes. 

“Many of our clients find themselves working in survival jobs,” says Cheryl, referring to low-skill jobs that newcomers reluctantly take to cover monthly bills. “We work with our clients – who are internationally trained professionals – so that they can return to their desired careers and maximize their potential in Canada!”  

Finances often prove to be an additional barrier for internationally trained professionals who hope to continue their careers. For example, internationally trained Doctors need to pass a series of exams before practicing in Canada. For newcomers in survival jobs, purchasing study material and taking the exam can be a costly investment.

To counter this, Career Loans has partnered with HSBC bank to provide optional micro loans of up to $15,000. This low-interest loan is perfect for newcomers who lack Canadian credit history and cannot access traditional bank loans. Career Loans clients have the advantage of working with a Counsellor to develop a strong loan application. The micro loan can cover the cost of training, assessments, membership fees, and anything needed for returning to a desired career.  

“Newcomers have so much to offer in the Canadian workforce,” exclaims Cheryl. “Invest in yourself and make the most out of your career in Canada!”  

Learn more about how the Career Loans program can help skilled newcomers at www.careerloans.ca. 

You can get in touch with Cheryl directly by calling (toll-free) 1-888-558-0282 or emailing [email protected]. 

All services are free; there is no obligation to apply for a micro loan.

Career loans also holds free training sessions regularly: accessed on the website https://careerloans.ca/ 
They are also advertised on the RRLIP Employment Events page: https://rrlip.ca/pages/employment-related-events