ACCES Employment Partners with IKEA Canada to Provide Training and Career Opportunities to Job Seekers with Lived-Refugee Experience 

PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT 

November 26, 2020 

ACCES Employment Partners with IKEA Canada to Provide Training and Career Opportunities to Job Seekers with Lived-Refugee Experience 

TORONTO, Canada – November 26, 2020 – ACCES Employment is proud to partner with IKEA Canada on their Global Refugee Skills for Employment Initiative, by rolling out an IKEA Canada Customer Experience Training program starting in December 2020. The 5-day program is specifically designed for clients with lived-refugee experience who are looking for training and employment opportunities with IKEA across Canada. 

ACCES has a strong history of developing and delivering programs for refugees and newcomers to Canada. The partnership with IKEA Canada will allow us to continue supporting Canadian retailers in their mission to build strong, diverse and inclusive work environments and the chance to connect our jobseekers to new career opportunities. 

“This training program will enable us to reach job seekers nationally and provide them with customized, relevant training and, ultimately, open the door to mentorship, internships and job opportunities with IKEA stores across Canada. This program is yet another example of how the ACCES and IKEA partnership is helping to build new opportunities for refugee jobseekers and we are looking forward to the positive impact it will have on our communities.” – Allison Pond, President and CEO of ACCES Employment. 

As a company, IKEA recognizes that they play an important role in providing opportunities for refugees. They are committed to creating a fully inclusive work environment and providing equal opportunities for all. 

Globally, IKEA has committed to supporting at least 2500 refugees by 2022 and they will do this through job training and language skills initiatives in 300 IKEA units across 30 countries. The focus is to equip and qualify refugees to find a job at IKEA or other companies. After the training phase, the trainees will be invited to apply to existing vacancies. 

“At IKEA, we want to be world leaders in equality and we are proud of our longstanding history supporting those with lived refugee experience, including humanitarian efforts with the IKEA Foundation, home furnishing donations to support Canada’s resettlement of Syrian refugees and our refugee employment program,” said Sonia Sangha, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, IKEA Canada. “Together with our partners at ACCES, the new IKEA Canada Refugee Skills for Employment Initiative enables us to engage and support many different needs through language skills, customer service training, mentorship and networking. At the same time, we have the opportunity to discover and recruit new talent, expand our diverse co-worker base and contribute to our role in creating a more equal world.” 

ABOUT THE IKEA CANADA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE TRAINING PROGRAM 

This online, 5-day course is an opportunity to learn and develop customer experience skills with iconic retailer, IKEA! With an English-as-a-Second-Language component, this course is designed specifically for individuals who have lived-refugee experience who are interested in work placements, mentorship opportunities and learning about customer experience at IKEA. It is also an opportunity to connect with IKEA hiring managers, opening the door to a new career. 

Program components include the following: 

  • Customized in-class and one-to-one language coaching and job search support 
  • Orientation to the customer service sector in Canada 
  • Customer Service Excellence certification 
  • Financial literacy training 
  • Acquiring 21st century skills and mindset 
  • Opportunities for an interview, work placement or mentorship with IKEA Canada 
  • Post-hire coaching and support 

For more information on the program please visit: the IKEA Customer Experience Training program page.

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