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Highlights: Opportunities for newcomers to find in-demand jobs
1. British Columbia announced new funding of $7 million to the Immigrant Employment Council of British Columbia (IEC-BC) to support newcomers.
2. Newcomers in B.C. are foreign immigrants who have been in the province for a short time, usually less than five years.
3. 900,000 new job openings in British Columbia are projected through 2027.
4. IEC-BC is a not-for-profit organization that supports the integration of global talent in joining the Canadian workforce through its innovative programs in B.C.
The latest BC government news release announced a provincial grant of $7 million to the IEC-BC which will enable more newcomers to the province to find rewarding, skilled jobs within their communities.
IEC-BC will extend mentorship to foreign immigrants who are currently under-employed or unemployed, enabling them to comprehend and align their skills and expertise with the Canadian labor market.
As a result, this grant will prove advantageous not only for the newcomers themselves but also for businesses scattered throughout the province.
“We want newcomers to find good jobs here, and we want employers to have an easier time finding workers,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “This is why my ministry is funding $7 million to the Immigrant Employment Council of BC to support B.C. newcomers.”
This comes from the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement. Under the agreement, British Columbia receives more than $300 million each year to fund employment services and supports, including those provided through the 102 WorkBC centers throughout the province.
Existing Program: Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants
Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants is a program designed to assist highly skilled newcomers in British Columbia to integrate into the provincial workforce and achieve meaningful employment in their respective fields.
The program has been active since 2017 and is divided into three streams:
Stream 1: Priority occupations. These are specific jobs that are classified using the NOC system. They are in demand in B.C. and are difficult to fill. Occupational groups include Construction & Engineering, Technology, Health, Education, Business & Management.
Stream 2: Regulated occupations. These include skilled jobs where you may need to be recertified to work in B.C. The recertification process is done by a regulatory body.
Stream 3: Unregulated occupations. These include skilled jobs where you may not need to be certified.
Contact our expert counselors to help you get started and find your occupation.
Earlier This Year: Faster Registration Process for Foreign Nurses
The British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) earlier this January announced a new pilot registration process for International Educated Nurses aimed at reducing the waiting period to work in the province from 3 years to approximately 4-9 months.
Approximately 700 internationally educated nurses (IENs) and return-to-practice healthcare workers have been referred annually to National Nursing Assessment Service for assessment.
British Columbia expects to welcome more immigrants as part of its broader Health Human Resources Strategy which was announced in the latter half of last year.
Book your free consultation today to determine your eligibility.
