Skills Connect for Immigrants Program

Overview

The primary goal of the Skills Connect for Immigrants Program is to see new immigrants secure jobs that fully use their pre-arrival skills, knowledge and experience. The program responds to current and long-term skill shortages by assessing and bridging skilled immigrants into the workplace in areas that complement BC’s growing economy with a focus on five key sectors of the economy: construction, transportation, energy, and tourism/hospitality and, as of September 2007, the health sector.

Many B.C. immigrants possess skills in occupations where there are shortages but face challenges in navigating a complex labour market entry system, language barriers, difficulty getting their credentials recognized and lack of employment networks.

The Skills Connect for Immigrants Program will:

• effectively assess the skills, qualifications and experiences of recent immigrants to B.C.;

• enhance skills, qualifications and experiences to meet B.C. labour market standards;

• offer workplace practice opportunities, such as workplace orientation (ie. mentorship), that will help secure and sustain employment;

• provides career assessment and planning; and

• supports skills and other enhancements, including workplace language upgrading.

Program services are delivered throughout the province by six organizations that have experience in the delivery of employment-related services targeting immigrants. Clients in health professions can access specialized services at two of these organizations: Arrive BC and Douglas College.

More information on the Skills Connect for Immigrants Program can be obtained by contacting one of the service providers: http://www.ecdev.gov.bc.ca/ProgramsAndServices/IQU/SkillsConnect/Service_Providers.htm