With a generous philanthropic investment from the Northpine Foundation, Wesley is proud to launch the Skills Training and Employment Pathways (STEP) program, a new three-year initiative that will help Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs) in Hamilton, Brantford, and surrounding communities secure meaningful, sustainable employment.
STEP is designed to strengthen economic integration and create brighter futures for newcomer families and the communities they now call home.
“Wesley has a strong track record of supporting newcomers to Canada, and we are proud to launch STEP, a practical program designed to help employment-ready refugees transition into the workforce more quickly. By connecting participants to pathways that align with their skills, experience, and goals, we are helping individuals build economic independence while supporting employers facing labour shortages,” said Rashed Afif, CEO of Wesley.
Each year, approximately 1,000 Government-Assisted Refugees settle in Hamilton and Brantford. Many arrive with valuable skills, work experience, and professional backgrounds but face barriers such as language challenges, credential recognition, limited professional networks, and competing settlement priorities. Without targeted support, many are at risk of underemployment despite having the skills and motivation to contribute to their communities.
Building on Wesley’s extensive experience supporting GARs, STEP integrates employment services directly into the settlement journey. The program identifies employment-ready newcomers early, provides tailored employment preparation and training, connects participants with employers, and offers ongoing support to promote long-term success in the workforce.
“For example, there is no reason why a skilled tradesperson should remain on social assistance,” said Tariq Ismati, Senior Director, Newcomer and Employment Services at Wesley. “This program will help refugees get a fair chance to compete for good jobs, work hard, and contribute to this beautiful country we call home as soon as possible, just as previous generations of immigrants have done.”
A key focus of STEP will be creating pathways into skilled trades and other in-demand employment sectors across Hamilton and the surrounding region, helping newcomers access opportunities that match their abilities while addressing local workforce needs.
STEP is being delivered as part of a collaborative initiative involving Wesley and other Refugee Assistance Program (RAP) service providers across Ontario, creating opportunities to share learning and strengthen employment outcomes for Government-Assisted Refugees.
The program also brings together key sector partners to provide specialized expertise. Skilled Trades Prep Inc. (STP) will support refugees pursuing careers in the skilled trades through guidance on trade qualification and recognition of prior experience, apprenticeship navigation, Skilled Trades Ontario application processes, and relevant training and certification pathways. McMaster University will lead the program’s evaluation, helping measure outcomes, identify promising practices, and generate evidence that can inform future newcomer employment initiatives and broader sector advancement.
Since 2011, Wesley has supported approximately 12,000 Government-Assisted Refugees, building trusted relationships that enable the organization to engage newcomers early and support their successful transition from settlement to employment.
