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Virtual Open Hour at Jumpstart Refugee Talent: Ask Me Anything

May 07 2025
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Time Zone: EDT
Online
Ask Me Anything
May 07 2025
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Time Zone: EDT
Online

Empowering Refugees in Skilled Trades: Licensing & Employment Info Session

At Jumpstart Refugee Talent, our mission is rooted in empowering individuals with lived experience of forced displacement — and that includes expanding access to personalized career support.

We’re excited to invite you to our next virtual Workshop & Ask Me Anything (AMA) session this May, hosted in partnership with the Syrian Canadian Foundation.

Featured Presenter

Mostafa Essa headshot
Mostafa Essa is the Syrian Canadian Foundation’s Program Manager and our speaker at this month’s virtual Ask Me Anything event.

Mostafa Essa
Program Manager, Syrian Canadian Foundation

Mostafa brings extensive experience in employment counselling, group facilitation, and program design within the social services sector. A passionate advocate for newcomer success, he blends ethical leadership, empathy, and practical strategies to empower refugees as they rebuild their careers.

In this session, Mostafa will share his professional journey, real-world insights, and step-by-step guidance for overcoming common barriers in Ontario’s skilled trades landscape.

What You’ll Learn

  • How to navigate formal trade licensing in Ontario
  • Where to find meaningful employment and self-employment opportunities
  • How to access language training and pre-employment safety preparation
  • Tools and strategies to leverage your trades experience for long-term success in Canada

Agenda

  • Welcome & Introductions
  • Interactive Zoom Polls
  • Presentation by Mostafa Essa (20–30 minutes)
  • Ask Me Anything (AMA) – Get your questions answered on licensing, employment, and navigating Ontario’s systems as a refugee