Hasala’s Story
Accelerating the pathway to Canadian
work experience
A pre-school teacher in her home country of Sri Lanka, Hasala encountered some challenges in securing employment after arriving in Canada. There was a language barrier, she had no previous Canadian experience, and she was unfamiliar with navigating the Canadian job search landscape. She needed to better understand how to prepare a resume, cover letter, prepare for an interview, improve her English language communication skills, and enhance her training in working with children in a Canadian daycare setting.
In January 2023, an opportunity for Hasala to join COSTI’s Pathways to Early Childhood Education (ECE) for Internationally Trained Professionals Program became available, and she started the 12-week program, four of which would be paid work placement, giving her the Canadian knowledge and work experience needed.
All the time and efforts I invested in joining this program has paid off,” Hasala commented. “No words can express my gratitude; I am happy with my job and the people I am working with.”
– Hasala, Pathways to Early Childhood Education graduate
Hasala’s experience, skills development and learning throughout the program, boosted her confidence and readiness to apply for a job. Shortly after graduating from the program, she was hired as a supply Early Childhood Assistant (ECA) at a childcare centre, and two months later, she was offered a full-time position.
Looking forward, Hasala is preparing to apply for an ECE Apprenticeship program, and eventually get her diploma.
