Bridge to Work: Helping Newcomers Launch Careers in Child Care
Finding work in your trained profession can be a challenge for newcomers to Canada. The YMCA of Northern Alberta’s Bridge to Work program is designed to close that gap for internationally trained teachers and child-care professionals who want to build their careers here.
Bridge to Work is a free, 16-week program that blends classroom preparation with hands-on experience in licensed child-care settings. Participants begin with two weeks of workplace preparation training—including First Aid and CPR Level C certification—followed by a 16-week placement that provides real-world, Canadian work experience. Throughout the process, participants receive employment support, coaching, and access to resources to help them succeed.
The program’s main goal is to guide eligible newcomers toward a career as an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) in Alberta. Participants learn about provincial child-care standards, gain the skills to obtain Level 1 Early Childhood Educator certification, and receive help finding employment in the sector once their training is complete.
Who the Program Serves
Bridge to Work is open to internationally trained newcomers with Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 6 or higher who have education, work, or volunteer experience in early childhood education, school education, or related fields. Eligible immigration statuses include:
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Permanent Residents/Landed Immigrants
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Convention Refugees with a positive notice of decision
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Protected Persons
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MOME2023 participants
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Persons admitted to Canada under the Caregiver Immigration Program
Gaining a Competitive Edge
Because of ongoing changes in the sector, candidates who can show proof of Alberta Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C certification and successful registration in the Alberta Early Childhood Educator Orientation Course will receive priority consideration for the program.
How to Apply
Potential participants can visit the YMCA Northern Alberta website and complete the online Bridge to Work Self-Referral Form in the Bridge to Work section.
For more information, email bridge.to.work@ymcanab.ca.
Bridge to Work offers internationally trained teachers and child-care professionals a clear pathway to certification, Canadian work experience, and employment in Alberta’s growing early childhood education sector.
