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 skills and talents.  The program will respond to current and long-term skill shortages by assessing and bridging skilled immigrants into the workplace in areas that complement BC’s growing economy. 

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;

• career assessment and planning; and

• skill and other enhancements, including workplace language upgrading.

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.  Skills Connect aims to assist over 5,000 immigrants over the next three years bridge into employment which better reflects their skills and qualifications.

Skills Connect currently focuses on connecting immigrants with employers in the construction, transportation, energy and tourism and hospitality sectors.  Plans are underway to expand the program to include the health care sector over the coming months.

The provincial commitment of $4.8 million each year for three years will be matched by contributions from Citizenship & Immigration Canada (Enhanced Language Training) and Health Canada (Internationally Educated Health Professionals).