JCF Expansion Program

The JCF (Job Connect for Future) Expansion Program is a monthly career development initiative designed to empower newcomers and immigrants in the Thompson-Okanagan region who face multiple barriers to employment. This free, in-person workshop series focuses on building essential skills such as networking strategies, navigating the hidden job market, workplace readiness, and interview preparation. Each session covers different topics to meet the diverse needs of participants and provide practical, targeted support.

To be eligible, participants must be at least 19 years old and have achieved a CLB level of 5 or higher. A small token of financial support in the form of gift cards will be provided as a gesture of appreciation for participants’ commitment.

We greatly appreciate the generous funding support from the Central Okanagan Foundation, RBC Foundation, and TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, which makes this program possible.

COMING WORKSHOP:

AI 101 for Career Success: Understanding AI & Prompt Engineering

Date: Thursday, May 28, 2026

Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Location: Online via Zoom Webinar

Admission: Free

Registration: Required

Click here to register or scan the QR code on the poster

Facilitator: Dr. Ying Zhu (Associate Professor in the Faculty of Management at UBC Okanagan and AI Advisor at UBCO)

Participants will learn about:

✔ A brief history of AI and key AI concepts

✔ Current AI and job market trends

✔ Hands-on prompt engineering practice

✔ Practical ways AI can support career and workplace success

✔ Live Q&A with the speaker

✨ This is the first AI 101 session in our JCF AI for Career Success Series. More sessions will follow to help participants better understand and use AI in job search, career growth, personal brand building, and the workplace.This free online workshop is designed for newcomers, immigrants, job seekers, students, professionals, and anyone interested in learning how AI can support career success.

👉 Register today — registration required (click to register here)

Session 11 Topic: Mastering Small Talk

📅 April 15, 2026

🕠 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

💻 Online via Zoom (Registration required)

👩‍🏫 Facilitator: Kathy Crocker

In this interactive session, you’ll learn how to:

✔ Start and sustain engaging conversations

✔ Build professional relationships with confidence

✔ Navigate networking in a Canadian context

✨ Our facilitator, Kathy Crocker from COEDC(Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission), will also introduce the COEDC Connector Program, which offers valuable opportunities to connect with experienced local professionals through one-on-one, in-person meetings.