The Career Gateway Program at Queen’s University recently hosted a celebration to mark the accomplishments of its second cohort.

The new graduates were celebrated during the event, marking the completion of the second year of the three-year pilot.

The Career Gateway Program creates employment pathways and on-the-job learning opportunities for individuals experiencing vulnerable situations within the Kingston community, such as refugees and individuals belonging to equity-deserving groups with limited English language skills.

“I take immense pride in the Gateway program, a testament to championing priorities that are aligned with core values and principles,” says shared Donna Janiec, Vice-Principal (Finance and Administration). “Thank you to the dedicated program team who have contributed to its success. Sustaining such a program demands significant time and effort, but witnessing some of the participants secure continuing positions at Queen's is truly rewarding.”

The year-long program’s aim is to provide participants with the tools for today’s job market, grow connections within the community, develop in-demand skills as casual members of the Custodial Support Services and Residences teams, in order to position them as viable candidates for future employment opportunities.

The program includes language training, focusing on language for the workplace, and related content to support them during their work experience at Queen’s.

“The journey of the participants in the program have been truly impressive,” says Shreya Badakh, one of the program’s English instructors. “Learning a new language with little prior knowledge is tough, but their efforts reflect their serious commitment.”

Vice-Principal (Finance and Administration) Donna Janiec congratulates the graduating members of the Career Gateway Program.

Community collaboration

The program is sponsored by the Office of the Vice-Principal (Finance and Administration), in collaboration with Facilities, Residences, the School of English, Human Resources, Human Rights and Equity Office, ReStart Employment Services Kingston, and Immigrant Services Kingston and Area (ISKA).  

The Career Gateway Program is the first of its kind in the Canadian higher education sector and aligns with the university’s Strategic Goal #5: Embedding Queen’s in the community with the aim of increasing the university’s social impact by strengthening its local partnerships within the community.

Learn more about the Career Gateway Program on the Office of the Vice-Principal (Finance and Administration) website.