At Jumpstart, we believe employment is more than just a job—it is an opportunity for belonging, dignity, and a fresh start. On that note, we’re thrilled to reflect on the success of our first-ever Durham Hiring Refugee Event, which brought together employers, refugees, and community supporters in an innovative initiative to change lives and strengthen Canada’s workforce.
This was not just another hiring fair. It was an experience thoughtfully designed to create confidence in candidates, build trust with employers, and highlight the unique value refugees bring to the Canadian job market.
The Durham Hiring Event stood out in several key ways, starting with the pre-screening process. Each candidate went through an initial assessment by the Jumpstart team before being invited to the event. This allowed employers to meet with candidates who were already evaluated for alignment with the job requirements and the organizational culture.
As a result, employers were more open and ready to engage, and candidates walked into their interviews with increased confidence, knowing they had already passed the first (prescreening) step, and that the employer was genuinely interested in speaking with them. This two-way preparedness helped create a more impactful, focused, and empowering hiring experience for both parties.
Another standout element was the presence of career coaches, who played a vital role in supporting candidates before and after their interviews. These experienced professionals offered practical advice, shared interview strategies, and provided emotional support—something often overlooked but incredibly important, especially for newcomers navigating the Canadian job market for the first time.
Many refugee candidates expressed how transformative the coaching sessions were—not only for helping them refine their answers but for calming their nerves and making them feel seen, heard, and supported. Sometimes, a job is not just about skills—it’s about having someone believe in you. That belief was felt throughout the day.
At Jumpstart, as with all the Welcoming Economy campaign partners, also understand that in today’s competitive world, personal branding matters. That’s why the event featured a special LinkedIn photo station, where professional photos were taken of all candidates. It was more than just a nice perk—it was a moment to educate participants on the power of LinkedIn for building professional networks and increasing visibility to future employers.
For many, it was their first professional headshot. It was a symbolic step toward claiming their space in the professional world and a reminder that they belong in it.
We did not want this event to just happen and be forgotten—we wanted to document the experience and highlight the impact. That’s why we made sure to interview a wide range of participants—employers, candidates, coaches, and volunteers. The venue was buzzing with cameras and media, capturing real stories of determination, resilience, and hope.
These insights are invaluable. They offer feedback for future events and inspire others to get involved. Hearing directly from employers about the talent they met and from refugees about the dignity they felt created a compelling narrative of inclusion and opportunity that we will continue to share in the months ahead.
Here is a snapshot of the Durham Refugee Hiring Event outcomes:
While the numbers speak for themselves, we know this event was about much more than statistics. Every offer represents a potential new beginning—for a person, a family, and a brighter future in Canada. Every employer who participated took a bold step toward inclusive hiring and unlocked access to international talent, rich experiences, and fresh perspectives.
If you’re an employer reading this and wondering if your organization should participate in future Jumpstart hiring events, the answer is yes.
Events like the Durham Hiring Refugee Event do not just fill roles—they build communities. They help companies tap into a motivated, skilled, and underutilized talent pool. They foster corporate social responsibility, and they demonstrate leadership in inclusive hiring.
We are proud, at Jumpstart, but also as part of the larger Welcoming Economy campaign initiative, of what we accomplished in Durham. We are also just getting started. The real success lies in how many lives we can touch and how many companies we can inspire to adapt this model. This is a collaborative event and we need to work together to build a future where every newcomer, regardless of where they come from, has a fair shot at success—and where employers reap the rewards of a truly diverse workforce.
Want to be part of the next event? Reach out to the Jumpstart team today. Let’s make it happen—again, and again.
