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.
How to Register
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).
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: Applications that Get the Job
Date: Tuesday, January 20, 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 Applications that Get the Job > Click 'Attend' button
Last day to register: Wed, Jan 14, 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:
Have you applied for a lot of jobs but don’t seem to get many interviews? Do you want to make your applications stand out from the hundreds of other resumes most employers receive?
Join this workshop to learn:
-
- What Canadian employers want to see in your job applications
- How to show your skills and experience in a way that meets Canadian employer expectations
- How to make your application stand get through an applicant tracking systems (ATS)
This session is great for international students who want clear, practical advice to feel more confident and ready to find work in Canada.
Who should attend this workshop? International students who are new to Canada and those who have been applying for jobs but not getting interviews.
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, Jan 27, 6pm and 7pm. Instructions to sign up for coaching are emailed after the workshop.
Workshop: Canadian Workplace Culture: Tips for Success on the Job
Date: Friday, January 23, 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 Canadian Workplace Culture: Tips for Success on the Job > Click 'Attend' button
Last day to register: Wed, Jan 18, 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:
Have you struggled to understand what Canadian employers look for when hiring new staff? Have you been confused by different practices and norms in the Canadian workplace?
Join this workshop to learn:
-
- Canadian Workplace Culture: explore the dimensions of culture that shape professional environments in Canada.
- Importance of Workplace Culture: Discover why understanding workplace culture is crucial for your career success.
- Employer Expectations: Learn about the typical formal/written and informal/unwritten expectations of Canadian employers.
- Communication Norms: Discuss verbal and non-verbal communication norms to effectively interact with colleagues and supervisors in Canada.
This workshop will give you valuable insights and practical tips to help you navigate and succeed in your professional journey in Canada. It can help you enhance your employability and build a stronger foundation for your career.
Who should attend this workshop? International students who are new to the Canadian workplace or those who want to improve how they perform on the job 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, Jan 30, 2026 - 10:30am and 11:30am. Instructions to sign up for coaching are emailed after the workshop.
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.
Why book a coaching session?
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?
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.
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 - for Reference only
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 |
|