FAQ
Common questions about PRIME — eligibility, cost, and how it works.
Don't see your question? Email us at support@primecareers.ca — we read every message.
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Is this really free?
Yes. PRIME is funded by the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, and the DIGITAL Supercluster. The value of services is about $5,400 per participant, and it costs you $0 — always. No hidden fees, no payback agreements. -
Do I need to know how to code?
No. PRIME is no-code. We teach you to use AI tools (ChatGPT, Claude, automation platforms) inside the work you already do — accounting, marketing, HR, project management, and more. If you're comfortable using a phone and a laptop, you can do this. -
What is Careers in the Age of AI?
A free job-placement program from Foundation for a Path Forward. You learn to work with AI tools, get a personal career coach, and get direct support to find a job. The goal is simple: work, now. -
Who is this program for?
Refugees and forcibly displaced people, aged 18 or older, who are looking for work in Canada. If you had a career before — in any field — and you want stable work here, this program was built for you. -
Who is the program NOT for?
We want to save your time. This program is not a good fit if you: have never worked in a professional job; only want temporary or seasonal work; cannot commit the time — 40 hours per week in month 1; do not have a laptop or stable internet; or have English below CLB 5 — take free English classes (LINC) first, then come back to us. -
Am I eligible?
You can apply if you: are 18 or older; have English at CLB 6 or higher — or CLB 5 with strong work experience; are legally allowed to work in Canada; have work experience in some profession; are looking for work now; can commit 40 hours per week in the first month, and 20+ hours per week after that; are ready to follow the PRIME system — our step-by-step path to a job; and have your own laptop and reliable internet. -
What if my English isn't perfect?
PRIME requires CLB 6 or higher — meaning you can have most workplace conversations and write emails in English. Your English doesn't need to be perfect. If your English is below CLB 6, LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) is a great place to start, then come back to us. -
Will my refugee status be shared with the government?
No. Your application information stays inside our private system (Zoho CRM, hosted in Canada). We never share your status with IRCC or any government body. We only use the eligibility information to confirm you fit the program. -
What happens after I apply?
Within 1 business day, someone from our team — likely Yusuf — will email you to schedule a discovery call. The call is 20–30 minutes. We confirm eligibility, talk about your goals, and answer any questions. -
Is PRIME only for people in BC?
No. PRIME accepts participants across Canada. The program runs as live virtual workshops, so location within Canada is flexible. Some employer partnerships are BC-specific (WorkBC wage subsidy), but placement work happens across the country. -
How many hours per week is the training?
Plan for about 20 hours per week during the 1-month AI training. The career support after that is lighter — typically a coaching call every 2–4 weeks, plus async messaging when you need it. -
Do I need my own laptop?
Yes. PRIME requires your own laptop and a stable internet connection. If laptop access is the only barrier, mention it in your application — we may be able to help. -
When does the next cohort start?
PRIME runs on rolling intake — there are no fixed cohort start dates. After your application and discovery call, we enroll you in the next available training group, typically within a few weeks. -
I have a closed work permit. Can I still apply?
Closed or employer-tied work permits don't qualify for PRIME because graduates need flexibility to take the job we place them in. If your status changes — for example, you get an open work permit or PR — please come back. -
Does this count as Canadian work experience?
Most of our employer partners say yes. The program is funded by the Canadian government, includes real work projects, and comes with 12 months of Canadian career coaching. -
What support do I get after training?
Your career support specialist stays with you: one-on-one support for 12 months in total, direct introductions to employers, and an alumni community. If a job does not work out, we help you find the next one. -
Will I really get a job?
No honest program can promise you a job — and we won't. Our real numbers: across past cohorts, more than 80% of people who followed the PRIME system were hired. You also get our employer network, and a career support specialist beside you for 12 months.