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VICTORIA – The Skills Connect for Immigrants Program has exceeded its 2007/08 fiscal targets of helping 200 skilled immigrants in the health sector and 1,500 immigrants in total find work in B.C., announced Colin Hansen, Minister of Economic Development.
“With the skills and labour crunch in the province, it is critical to our economy to attract workers who are trained in occupations and sectors currently experiencing shortages,” said Hansen. “By exceeding our targets for this fiscal year, it’s clear that the Skills Connect program has been, and continues to be, very successful in helping immigrants overcome the barriers they face in finding jobs matching their current skills, qualifications and experience.”
As of March 20, 2008, 1,515 immigrants have enrolled in the Skills Connect program this fiscal; 220 of those have already been registered in the health sector which has only been part of the program since October 2007. Since Skills Connect services began in July 2006, over 2,300 skilled immigrants have benefited from the program.
“The Skills Connect program provides a vital service to B.C. as it helps attract skilled workers to our province and gives them the tools they need to navigate an unfamiliar labour market,” said Hansen.
The Skills Connect for Immigrants Program is a key component of WorkBC,
the provincial action plan to address skills shortages. As an employment
bridging program, Skills Connect provides skilled immigrants with services to
help them navigate a complex labour market, gain experience in the Canadian
workplace and enhance their existing skills as necessary. The program connects skilled immigrants with
employment in communities throughout B.C. in sectors where skills shortages
exist or are projected – specifically, health, construction, transportation,
energy, and tourism and hospitality.
Skills Connect services are
delivered through the following agencies: Camosun College,
DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, Douglas College, Association of
Service Providers for Employability and Career Training, Multicultural Helping
House Society and Back in Motion. Douglas College and Back in Motion
were selected through a competitive procurement process to also deliver Skills
Connect services for the health sector.
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Communications Director 250 952-0152 |
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