Building Inclusive Workforce Practices: Homestar Inc. and the NEC Program
At the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to feel welcomed, supported, and connected in their workplace. Through the Newcomer Employment Champions (NEC) Program, local employers are helping newcomers build successful careers in Canada, and Homestar Inc. is one of those employers making a difference.
Mariana Castro, HR Manager at Homestar Inc. shared how the NEC Program has helped the company strengthen onboarding practices, workplace communication, and workforce integration support for newcomer employees.
Homestar Inc. joined the NEC program in 2022 after recognizing the value newcomers bring to both the workplace and the community.
“As our company grows, we wanted to connect with skilled people from different backgrounds and create more opportunities for newcomers,” she said.
Since joining the program, the company has hired employees from Brazil, Ukraine, Mexico, India, and the US across different areas of the business. Mariana also noted that the NEC training modules provided practical guidance for employers and supervisors on topics such as workplace communication, onboarding practices, and supporting newcomer employees in multicultural workplace environments. She shared that these resources helped strengthen internal awareness and provided useful strategies that could be applied within day-to-day workplace operations.
From the beginning, Homestar Inc. focused on strengthening onboarding practices and improving communication clarity for newcomer employees entering the workplace. The company works to ensure clear communication during orientation and provides language support when needed so employees can better understand their roles and expectations.
The team also encourages employees to connect with one another, ask questions, and learn about each other’s cultures and backgrounds. One simple but meaningful initiative was creating a workplace map where employees can place a pin showing where they come from.
“It helps everyone feel included and connected,” Mariana said.
Supporting employee growth and success is also a priority for Homestar Inc. Mariana shared the story of one employee from Ukraine who is currently completing training to become a certified carpenter while continuing to work with the company.
“We’re happy to support employees who want to continue building their skills and succeed in their careers,” she said.
Mariana encourages other employers to consider joining the NEC Program.
“The program provides employers with practical workforce integration resources, onboarding guidance, and communication strategies that help organizations better support newcomer workforce integration and long-term employee retention,” she explained. “Newcomers bring strong skills, motivation, and new perspectives to the workplace.”
Today, around 118 companies, including Homestar Inc., are involved in the NEC Program across industries such as construction, landscaping, roofing, electrical work, and safety training. Through partnerships like these, the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick continues to help build welcoming workplaces and stronger communities for everyone. Bottom of Form
About the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick
The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick is a charity dedicated to building healthy, connected communities where everyone belongs. Through health and wellness, newcomer support, child and youth development, and community programs, we remove barriers, stand against racism and exclusion, and ensure people of all backgrounds have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
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