The City of Saskatoon’s Civic Internship Program has helped another group of newcomers get prepared for life in their new city.

Muna Jibreal is one of the four interns that graduated on Thursday. She moved to Saskatoon in July from Saudi Arabia.

“We had the chance to meet with major employers in Saskatchewan from different organizations and to see how they perceive the experience of employment for newcomers. Are there any chances for bridging any kind of gaps between what a newcomer is bringing to the city and what kind of requirements are needed by these employers.”

Three quarters through the internship, she was able to secure a job in the healthcare sector, and she is now employed at Royal University Hospital.

During the five-month program, the group of interns also generated a list of recommendations regarding how Saskatoon could be more newcomer friendly.

One of the graduates, Naima Islam, says their suggestions include more networking events between newcomers and business leaders, increased funding for settlement agencies, and encourage companies to bolster their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Departments.

“BHP, Cameco and Vendasta have amazing DEI committees and policies, so we asked them to have a workshop with other companies in Saskatoon who are not currently following those DEI policies,” Islam explains.

The recommendations will be presented to the Planning, Development and Community Services Committee on March 5.