Students in Red River College's Pathway Program had a chance to get practical training today as the college partnered with Habitat for Humanity.

The Language Training Centre at RRC offers the Pathway Program, designed to enhance their English language skills along with gaining hands-on experience. The end of the program results in a one month job placement with the opportunity to secure full-time work once the month is up.

Today, the students had a chance to partner with Habitat for Humanity and work on a house together near the college, gaining real-world experience.

"Through our program, they are receiving a combination of language training, technical training, health and safety training and employability skill building," said Program Manager for the Language Training Centre, Stuart Schwartz.

While students have no experience, many were carpenters, construction works or plumbers in their home country and just need the proper language skills to gain valuable jobs in Canada.

"It's really important for me," said Naji, a refugee from Iraq. "I'm very excited about it."

Schwartz says one of the core RRC values is contributing to the community and he believes this is a great example of that.

"We feel it's a good match [with Habitat for Humanity]," he said.

The Pathway Program started in March 2017 and provided training to 21 students. A second cohort began this fall, with that group working on the Habitat house today, landscaping and building a new wooden sidewalk on the yard.