In partnership with the International Institute of New England (IINE) in Manchester, WorkReadyNH recently provided professional skills training and employment support to eight refugees and immigrants from four countries.
WorkReadyNH is a tuition-free professional training program that builds skills that help employees succeed in the workforce and that New Hampshire employers desire. The program was developed with the goal of strengthening the state’s workforce.
The 10-week course with the IINE program participants concluded in late September, when each participant made a presentation displaying some of the skills they learned and celebrating their successful completion of the course. For several, it was their first time speaking in public in English.
“The instructor helped them with their resumes, their language skills, soft skills, and career-building experiences like mock interviews,” said Dawn Hamdi, WorkReadyNH Director at Great Bay Community College. “The next step is finding employment. They have their resumes, interview skills, and the confidence to pursue their dreams. They want to assimilate, and they have our support and the support of the International Institute of New England.”
Based in Boston with offices in Lowell and Manchester, the International Institute of New England provides humanitarian relief, English language learning, employment support, skills training, and immigration legal services to refugees and immigrants from around the world. WorkReadyNH has worked across the state to create partnerships with nonprofit and other organizations, bringing its professional skills-training program onsite to a variety of settings.
In addition to the program’s regular programming offered to NH residents that are 16 years or older, over the past year, they have developed new program models catering to residents from Cross Roads House, individuals in recovery from the Magnolia House, high school students, as well as the Department of Corrections. “Our program model is particularly effective for these groups” said Loula Kalampalikis, Statewide WorkReadyNH Director and Workforce Development Administrator, “as it provides the essential skills and support needed to transition into stable employment. The flexible structure and personalized approach allow individuals to overcome barriers and achieve their goals.”
This is its first time working with the International Institute of New England, satisfying one of Hamdi’s goals for the program as it expands its services. “This has been a passion of mine for a long time,” she said. “I’m so glad to see it happen, and I’m excited about what comes next.”
For more information about WorkReadyNH, contact [email protected] or call 603-230-3534.
