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On this episode of NACTV’s Community Round Table, we sat down with representatives from Neepawa Settlement Services and Westlake Employment to talk about their newly formalized partnership aimed at strengthening employment support services, particularly for newcomers to Canada.

While both organizations assist clients in finding jobs, their primary difference lies in their target audiences:

• Neepawa Settlement focuses on helping newcomers transition into the Canadian workforce.

• Westlake Employment provides job support to the general public.

Longstanding Collaboration Now Made Official

Although the partnership was only recently formalized through a press release, collaboration between the two organizations has existed for years.

“Westlake has had a collaborative standing relationship with Neepawa Settlement for a very long time,” said Martha Timbal, representative from Westlake Employment. “We just made it official through a press release. But even before that, we were already referring clients to each other and working together on job fairs and workshops.”

Referral and Team-Based Efforts

Ilce Pineda of Neepawa Settlement described the relationship as highly integrated, particularly during busy times when both organizations have supported each other to meet client needs.

“It’s really teamwork,” said Pineda. “For example, with the Job Fair, it’s a collaboration between the Town, Marilyn Crewe, Westlake, and us. We’ve just made it official now.”

Common Barriers for Newcomers

Neepawa Settlement and Westlake Employment identified several recurring challenges that newcomers face when seeking employment:

• Language barriers make interviews and communication difficult.

• Resume formatting often doesn’t match Canadian standards.

• Cultural differences can create confusion about workplace expectations.

• Lack of Canadian experience is often a hurdle with employers.

• Childcare access is limited, making job hunting harder for parents.

To help overcome these challenges, Neepawa Settlement offers:

• Free English as an Additional Language (EAL) classes

• Job interview preparation workshops

• Resume-writing support

• Referrals to volunteer roles to help gain local experience

The Reality of Credential Transfer

Duka, another representative involved in the discussion, emphasized how difficult it can be for newcomers to adjust when their professional credentials don’t transfer directly to the Canadian workforce.

“Transitioning to a new country is already difficult,” said Duka. “But for newcomers, it’s important to stay open-minded. The profession they held back home may not be the same one they have here.”

Looking Ahead: Building for the Future

With the upcoming openings of new facilities like a hotel and hospital, Pineda said there will soon be a surge in local job opportunities. She encouraged newcomers to visit either Neepawa Settlement Services or Westlake Employment to get the support they need.

Pineda also noted that Neepawa Settlement is working with Neepawa Gladstone Co-op to explore job placement opportunities for students at Neepawa Area Collegiate, expanding their support to youth entering the workforce.