Feel confident in your workplace soft skills
ASCEND is relevant, practical and useful. The program helps you build the essential skills that employers look for when hiring. These skills include:
Professional Communication
Personal Branding
Professional Network Development
Job Interview Skills
Insights into Organizational Culture
Professional LinkedIn Development
“It’s helped me a lot. I have a job now. I would recommend it to every new immigrant. It’s going to tell you what hiring managers are looking for, what you need to tell them and how you should tell them.”
– Aji Ashama, An ASCEND graduate
Am I eligible for ASCEND?
1) I am comfortable communicating effectively in English (CLB 6+)
2) I have previous work experience (from any country)
3) My immigration status is one of the following:
- Permanent Residents in Canada, or those approved in principle (and their spouses)
- Convention Refugees (and their spouses)
- All Ukrainian temporary residents and their dependents in Canada (until further notice)
If you answered “Yes” to all the above, then ASCEND is available to you at NO cost!
NOTE: Participants that do not meet these eligibility requirements are able to access ASCEND for a fee. For more information, please contact us
How to enroll in ASCEND?
This map shows all currently active ASCEND partner organizations across Canada. If you are currently accessing support services from one of these organizations, contact them directly to ask when their next ASCEND program opportunity begins. If not, please click below to help you enroll.
Have fun while becoming more employable
ASCEND teaches and reinforces soft skills with multiple mediums.
- E-learning games test your knowledge
- Situational videos demonstrate what can go well and what to avoid in the workplace
- Journaling assignments give you an opportunity to reflect on and frame your own employment goals
Complete all 7 modules and receive your personal certificate from IEC-BC to download and share online
ASCEND graduates receive full time access to the ASCEND App
Do you have questions? Look no further!
What do I need to qualify for the program?
Click here for ASCEND eligibility requirements.
How do I enrol?
This map shows all currently active ASCEND partner organizations across Canada. If you are currently accessing support services from one of these organizations, contact them directly to ask when their next ASCEND program opportunity begins. If not, please contact us to help you enroll.
How is ASCEND funded?
ASCEND is funded through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the department of the Government of Canada with responsibility for matters dealing with immigration to Canada, refugees, and Canadian citizenship.
How many online modules does ASCEND have, and how long does it take to complete?
The full ASCEND program includes introductory survey, Getting Started and Benchmark Assessment sections that require about 1 hour to complete, followed by 7 online modules, each of which takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete. All online modules are completely self-paced. Learners typically spend 15-20 hours completing all online modules and assignments. It is recommended that participants complete 1 online module per week to stay on track.