Economic Development Lethbridge & Lethbridge Family Services hosted an engagement session titled “Launching Your Career in Lethbridge” on Friday, April 23.  The event was coordinated by Accessible Community Counselling and Employment Services (ACCES), a not-for-profit organization that specializes in bringing together employers, community partners, and skilled international workers to help facilitate employment outcomes.

The session began with a presentation from Economic Development Lethbridge & Lethbridge Family Services that highlighted local opportunities and the benefits associated with life in our region.  This was followed by networking sessions geared towards various professional competencies as well as Lethbridge core sectors.  These sessions were hosted by local industry stakeholders and champions.

“This event was an excellent way to increase awareness of the opportunities in our area and to connect with an important segment of the population that has the requisite skills to help our region continue to thrive and prosper” said Economic Development Lethbridge Market Intelligence Advisor Mike Prociw.  “Our collaboration with Lethbridge Family Services and the participation of all of the community stakeholders really personifies the Brighter Together community brand and demonstrates the essence of both this concept and this area.”

The event was attended by approximately 100 international professionals who have been approved to work in Canada and have already obtained their Permanent Residency status.  A poll run by ACCES prior to the event suggested that 89% of the professionals who responded knew little about Lethbridge.  After the presentations, ACCES ran another poll where 82% of clients who responded expressed interest or wanted to know more about the potential of living in Lethbridge.

“We were pleased with the opportunity to showcase our area to professionals and use this platform to communicate the existing services and resources present in our region” said Lethbridge Family Services Employment Practitioner Tyler Ramsay.  “Working with ACCES provided us with a great opportunity to broaden our reach while also demonstrating the level of collaboration that makes Lethbridge so unique and special.”

Event attendees were provided with eight different breakout rooms that offered insights and advice pertaining to local industry sectors.  These sessions were facilitated by 19 local industry experts & stakeholders.

“At ACCES Employment, our pre-arrival employment services support professionals who have been approved to immigrate to Canada but haven’t landed yet.  They have a choice to settle anywhere in Canada, and they were very excited to hear about the opportunities and services available in Lethbridge, as well as to have an opportunity to network with so many local professionals” said ACCES Director of Services and Program Development Cameron Moser. 

 “The Lethbridge community was a great partner in this event.  They were so welcoming, and they really showcased how attractive Lethbridge is as a settlement destination.”

Interested individuals can find out more information about immigration in Lethbridge by visiting the Lethbridge Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) website. The LIP is a community development initiative with the goal to create a more welcoming and inclusive community.

For more information, please contact:

Mark Neskar,
Director, Marketing & Communications,
Economic Development Lethbridge
(403) – 393-6376
mark@chooselethbridge.ca