Lanark County is offering two free online employment workshops for newcomers living in Perth, ON, on Tuesday, January 14 and Tuesday, January 21, 2025, to help them navigate the Canadian job market. Each 90-minute session runs from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM and will cover job searching, resume writing, interview preparation and workplace soft skills. These virtual workshops aim to connect international talent with local employers as part of efforts to address local labour shortages.
The sessions are organized by Lanark County in partnership with the Lanark & Renfrew Local Immigration Partnership (LIP), with support from Lanark & Renfrew Immigrant Settlement Services (LRISS), administered by Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus. Newcomers in Perth and surrounding Lanark County communities can join from home. All participants receive a meeting link after registering online.
The January 14 workshop focuses on effective job searches and building a Canadian-style resume, while the January 21 session will teach interview techniques and essential soft skills. The workshops are free of charge. Interested newcomers can register through a Google Form sign-up.
Participants who need language support or a guided introduction to local resources can access interpreting services and settlement orientation through Lanark & Renfrew Immigrant Settlement Services (LRISS). Community Employment Services (CES) Perth often collaborates on these sessions and can share local job board listings and employer contacts. Local businesses in manufacturing, tourism and healthcare are increasingly depending on newcomer talent to fill critical roles.
This initiative is part of the county’s No Wrong Door Strategic Plan (2021–2025), which aims to reduce barriers for newcomers and address labour shortages in rural Lanark County. Since 2022, the county has shifted to a hybrid model offering virtual sessions to overcome transportation challenges. By equipping recent immigrants with job-search skills and cultural insights, the program helps strengthen Perth’s workforce and economy.
