Section outline

  • General

    Collapse all Expand all

    ASCEND for Employees was shaped by extensive input from employers across Canada who shared their experiences, challenges, and best practices in supporting newcomer talent. Through their insights, this program became a practical, employer-informed resource that helps workplaces strengthen inclusion and productivity. 

    ASCEND is a free, self-paced online learning program designed to enhance both onboarding and intercultural collaboration. Newcomer employees gain practical insight into Canadian workplace culture and communication, while your teams build the awareness and competency needed to thrive in diverse environments. 

    How It Works 

    Step 1: Integrate ASCEND into Your Onboarding or Training Plans 
    Use ASCEND as part of your employee orientation or professional development activities. 

    Step 2: Support Self-Paced, Interactive Learning 
    Employees complete short, scenario-based modules that fit easily into their schedules. 

    Step 3: See the Results 
    Teams experience improved collaboration, inclusion, and communication. 

  • Module 0: Preparing for Success in the Workplace

    Purpose of module 0:

    Helps newcomer employees prepare for their first days in a Canadian workplace by understanding expectations, workplace etiquette, and confidence-building strategies. This module is designed to support a smooth transition and ensure learners begin their roles with clarity and confidence.


    Focus areas include:

    • Workplace norms and forms of address
    • Day 1 expectations
    • Confidence-building strategies
    • Preparing for Canadian workplace culture

  • Module 1: Onboarding and Organizational Culture

    Purpose of module 1: Supports newcomer employees in understanding how Canadian organizations function, including workplace expectations, values, and norms, helping them integrate more effectively into their new role and team.

    Focus areas include:

    • Understanding organizational culture and workplace norms
    • Navigating unwritten rules and expectations in Canadian workplaces
    • Adapting to a new team’s social and professional environment

  • Module 2: Professional Communication

    Purpose of module 2: Builds practical communication skills needed in Canadian workplaces, emphasizing clarity, collaboration, and intercultural understanding to improve day-to-day interactions with colleagues and supervisors.

    Focus areas include:

    • Developing professional communication skills in the workplace
    • Improving clarity and effectiveness in day‑to‑day interactions
    • Strengthening communication across culturally diverse teams

  • Module 3: Career Progression and Long-Term Success

    Purpose of module 3: Equips participants with tools and strategies to plan for career growth, navigate workplace expectations over time, and build long-term success and retention within their organization.

    Focus areas include:

    • Planning for career progression within the organization
    • Building long‑term success, confidence, and retention
    • Strengthening professional confidence and initiative over time

  • Want to see it for yourself?

    You've seen the overview. If you'd like to go a step further and experience Ascend the way your employees would, you can preview the program firsthand.

    Just click Log In at the top right of this page to create your account. Once you're in, you will find the preview module together with other useful resources there. You can go through the course to feel the content, the language, and the learner experience before bringing it to your team.

     

  • Contact us to Include this resource in your Employee Onboarding Training!

    Build Stronger, More Inclusive Teams with ASCEND for Employees !

    ASCEND reflects what employers told us they need: a simple, practical, and meaningful way to support newcomer integration while helping teams grow their intercultural skills. Contact us if you are interested in offering this program to your new hires. 

    📩 Send us an email:  employerengagement@iecbc.ca
    🌐 Learn more: ascendemployment.com/employers