July 4, St. John’s : More than 15 newcomers participated in Tombolo Multicultural Festival NL’s AI Literacy & Skills Workshop, held in a hybrid format with both in person and online attendance on July 4. The free workshop introduced participants to practical ways of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support their daily lives, career development, and settlement journey in Canada.
Hosted at the Tombolo Office in St. John’s, the workshop focused on helping newcomers understand what AI is, how it works, and how it can be used responsibly. Participants learned how AI can assist with writing resumes and cover letters, searching for jobs, translating documents, understanding Canadian systems, improving communication, and completing everyday tasks more efficiently. The session also highlighted the limitations of AI and emphasized the importance of verifying AI generated information before relying on it.
The workshop was highly interactive, giving participants the opportunity to ask questions, practice using AI tools, and explore real life examples relevant to newcomers. Organizers said the goal was to build confidence in using AI as a practical tool while encouraging responsible and ethical use.
The response from participants was overwhelmingly positive. More than 15 newcomers attended the workshop, both in person and online, and many described the session as informative, practical, and immediately useful. Several participants expressed interest in attending future workshops on AI, digital literacy, and career development.
One participant shared that although they had professional experience in their home country, preparing a Canadian style resume and navigating the Canadian job market had been challenging. Language barriers and unfamiliar hiring practices often made the job search stressful.
After participating in the workshop, the participant learned how AI can help improve resumes and cover letters, prepare for interviews, translate documents, and better understand Canadian systems. The participant said the workshop changed their perception of AI and gave them greater confidence in using technology to support their career goals.
“Before attending this workshop, I thought AI was only for technology experts. Now I understand how it can help me improve my resume, practice interview questions, and better understand important information. I feel much more confident about my job search,” the participant said.
Another participant said the workshop demonstrated how AI can simplify everyday activities such as writing professional emails, understanding official documents, and searching for employment opportunities, making it an important resource for newcomers adapting to life in Canada.
Organizers said digital and AI literacy are becoming essential skills in today’s world. By providing newcomers with practical knowledge and hands on experience, the workshop aimed to reduce barriers to employment, improve digital confidence, and help participants integrate more successfully into Canadian society.
The success of the workshop reflects the growing demand for accessible AI education among newcomers. Organizers hope to continue offering similar learning opportunities to help newcomers gain the digital skills needed to succeed in their careers and everyday lives in Canada.