Ready2Work
Ready2Work International
Free job search and career advancement workshop series with optional coaching session
Join these free workshops and learn how to find the work you want or how to advance your career. All VCC international students can sign up for 1 or more workshops.
Students who fully participate in workshops can also apply for a 1:1 coaching session. Space is limited for these sessions. More information about coaching is below.
- "This is a helpful program that should not be missed."
- "Definitely every student should take this [program] which will give you a different perspective of what you think you should be doing to find job opportunities."
- "The most practical class I had in VCC so far!"
Ann Marcoux
Ann has over 10 years of talent management and career coaching experience and possesses an expert understanding of the full recruitment cycle. She has coached and educated hundreds of clients on their journey to secure employment, and her unique approach empowers individuals to identify their strengths, develop actionable strategies, and achieve their professional aspirations.
Workshop Information
- Most workshops are online, using Teams
- Different topics are offered each semester.
- Workshops are at different times and days to fit your schedule.
- Important: To be eligible for free coaching, stay until the end of each workshop and complete the exit poll.
Registration is done on VCC Works, the online job posting and career resources platform.
All students have access to VCC Works. Follow these steps to log in with your VCC ID and password, and register for a workshop:
- Go to > vcc-csm.symplicity.com
- Select ‘Students/Alumni’
- Select ‘Current Students: Single Sign On”
- Follow the prompts to enter your VCC ID and password
- On the VCC Works home page > click ‘Events’ (top menu)*
- Click the name of the workshop to read the full description and other details
- If you are ready to register > click ‘Attend’ (green button on the top right of the workshop description).
Events menu

Important notes about workshop registration:
- registration closes 5 days before the workshop date.
- all workshop messages will be sent to your VCC email address.
- workshop messages will come from vcc-works@csm.symplicity.ca. Please check your spam/junk folders if you do not receive confirmation messages or workshop Zoom links to your VCC email address.
What can I expect to do in these workshops?
- Practice real Canadian workplace skills (show up on time, answer questions from the facilitator, etc.).
- Speak up in discussions and keep your camera on.
- It’s a safe place to practice — mistakes are okay and help everybody learn!
If You Can’t Attend
- Please email us before the workshop (3 days minimum): vccworks@vcc.ca
- Think of it like a job — let us know if you can't come.
Workshops Open for Registration
Workshop: Career Success: Skills to Navigate the Current Labour Market in Canada
Date: Friday, February 20, 2026
Time: 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location: Online - Teams link will be emailed to your VCC email address 24 hrs before the workshop
Registration: log in to VCC Works > Events > Select Applications that Get the Job > Click 'Attend' button
Last day to register: Fri, Feb 13 , 2026
What is VCC Works: the online job posting and career services platform. All students have access to VCC Works using single sign on (VCC ID and password).
Open VCC Works: www.vcc-csm.symplicity.com
Workshop Description:
The Canadian labour market is complicated, especially for international students. Job seekers have to navigate and adapt to quickly changing workplace cultures and environments. It is already hard to find work and the complexity of the 21st century labour market can make it seem impossible.
However, there are career development skills and practices that can help you stay confident during job search, remain resilient in the face of a changing and complicated labour market, and help you advance in your career journey. Join this interactive workshop to build your career skills and learn about:
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- Complexity of 21st century careers and what you can do to be ready
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- The importance of adaptability and resiliency and how you can build these skills
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- How to be ready for unexpected career opportunities
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- How to turn set backs into success
Who should attend this workshop: International students who feel discouraged by an unsuccessful job search. Also good for those who want to strengthen their resiliency for future job exploration and career advancement in Canada.
COACHING: If you attend this workshop until the end, you can sign up for free career coaching. The next coaching date after this workshop will be Friday, Feb 27, 2026 - 10:30am and 11:30am. Instructions to sign up for coaching are emailed after the workshop.
Workshop: Who You Know Matters: Finding Work In Canada
Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Time: 6:30 pm -8:00 pm
Location: Online - Teams link will be emailed to your VCC email address 24 hrs before the workshop
Registration: log in to VCC Works > Events > Select Who You Know Matters: Finding Work In Canada > Click 'Attend' button
Last day to register: Tue, Feb 24, 2026
What is VCC Works: the online job posting and career services platform. All students have access to VCC Works using single sign on (VCC ID and password).
Open VCC Works: www.vcc-csm.symplicity.com
Workshop Description:
Did you know that 50-70% of job openings in Canada are not posted? Finding jobs in this “hidden job market” requires networking skills and good contacts. But how do you make those contacts if you aren’t currently in the workforce or if you are new to Canada?
This workshop will show you proven ways find job opportunities that match your program of study and your skills. Even if you have little or no work experience in Canada, you can still use these practical strategies to help you move forward with confidence.
Join this workshop to learn:
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- What the hidden job market is and how it works in Canadian job search
- How to build connections with people in your field through networking and informational interviews
- Intro to using LinkedIn effectively to learn about jobs and meet professionals
Whether you're looking for part-time work now or planning your career after graduation, this workshop will help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.
Who should attend this workshop? International students ready to look for work in their field of study post-graduation, or those who want to start building labour market connections in Canada in preparation for a new career.
COACHING: If you attend this workshop until the end, you can sign up for free career coaching. The next coaching date after this workshop will be Tuesday, Mar 10, 2026 - 6pm and 7pm. Instructions to sign up for coaching are emailed after the workshop.
Workshop: Applications that Get the Job
Date: Friday, March 20, 2026
Time: 9:30 am -11:00 am
Location: Online - Teams link will be emailed to your VCC email address 24 hrs before the workshop
Registration: log in to VCC Works > Events > Select Starting a New Career in Canada > Click 'Attend' button
Last day to register: Fri, Mar 6, 2026
What is VCC Works: the online job posting and career services platform. All students have access to VCC Works using single sign on (VCC ID and password).
Open VCC Works: www.vcc-csm.symplicity.com
Workshop Description:
Are you unsure about your career path in Canada? You’re not alone. Many international students—whether starting fresh or restarting a professional career—face tough choices when planning their future.
This workshop will help you understand typical career pathways in Canada and how to make informed job and career decisions—even if you don’t have a lot of Canadian work experience yet.
In this workshop, you will learn:
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- What typical career paths look like in Canada
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- The importance of and skills for doing labour market research
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- How to use a simple tool (weighted decision matrix) to compare job options
Whether you’re starting your first job or changing careers, this workshop will help you learn how to make career decisions that work for you in Canada.
Who should attend this workshop? International students who are unsure how to start a new career in Canada or those who need help deciding on how to choose between different careers or job opportunities.
Coaching Sessions - Take the next step in your job search!
If you attend a Ready2Work International workshop, you can book a free one-on-one coaching session with the workshop facilitator! Take advantage of these free coaching sessions to help you feel more confident in your Canadian job search.
The facilitator may also connect you with other helpful services at VCC to help with things like:
- Resume & cover letter formatting and language: Learning Centre Tutors
- Practice interview skills: Learning Centre Tutors
- Managing stress and anxiety about job search: VCC Counselling Services
Tip: If you want to talk about your resume, try to complete the free Resume & Cover Letter Moodle course first. That way, your coach can give you even better feedback! The course is open to all VCC students.
This is your chance to get personal guidance on your job search questions. You can ask questions like:
- Why are employers not responding to my job applications?
- How do I make my resume stand out?
- What do employers in my new field look for?
- How can I research companies that are hiring?
- How do I make career choices that fit my goals?
Please note: Coaching is not counselling. If you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious about work or your future, VCC Counselling Services is available to support you.
How to Book a Coaching Session
If you are eligible, you’ll get an email from careerLAB@vcc.ca with instructions to sign up. Make sure to check your inbox!
Important: Your Commitment
Coaching sessions are limited, so your appointment is a commitment. If you need to cancel, please tell us at least 5 business days before your appointment.
If you cancel too late or don’t show up, you won’t be able to book another session unless you attend another Ready2Work workshop. We understand life happens—just let us know in advance if your plans change.
Overall Coaching Schedule (subject to change)
This is the overall coaching appointment schedule for Winter 2026. If you attended a Ready2Work International workshop until the end and answered the attendance poll, you will be emailed instructions on how to view updated appointment availability in VCC Works. This schedule is for your general reference only - final appointment schedules may change.
View final appointment schedules in VCC Works (only those who attend a workshop will see the schedules in VCC Works)
All coaching appointments are online. All appointments are 50-minutes long.
| Coaching Appointment date | Time |
|
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 Deadline to sign up: Jan 26 |
6:00-6:50 pm |
| 7:00-7:50pm | |
|
Friday, January 30, 2026 Deadline to sign up: Jan 29 |
10:30-11:20am |
| 11:30am-12:20pm | |
|
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 Deadline to sign up: Feb 9 |
6-6:50pm |
| 7-7:50pm | |
|
Friday, February 27, 2026 Deadline to sign up: Feb 26 |
10:30-11:20am |
| 11:30am-12:20pm | |
|
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 Deadline to sign up: Mar 9 |
6-6:50pm |
| 7-7:50pm |
|