More newcomers to the province will be able to find rewarding, skilled jobs in their communities through several new and innovative programs offered through the Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IEC-BC).
“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.”
As always, much appreciation to my colleagues @MeganDykeman and @jinnysims! Together we are helping remove barriers to employment for immigrants and connecting employers with skilled workers.
— Sheila Malcolmson (@s_malcolmson) July 26, 2023
With this grant, IEC-BC will provide extended mentorship to under-employed and unemployed immigrants that will help them understand and adapt their skills and experience to the Canadian labour market. This grant will benefit newcomers and businesses across the province.
The new funding has enabled a new research initiative, Tech Connect Plus, which brings together employers and newcomers for interviews and hiring opportunities and to identify and address factors that affect newcomer employment.
With more than 900,000 new job openings projected through 2027 and a low unemployment rate, employers throughout the province, especially those in urban areas, struggle to fill their staffing needs. The programs offered by IEC-BC removes the guesswork for employers from small to large businesses and gives job seekers a platform to shine.
Immigrants bring skills, diverse perspectives and international connections to their roles, making them an attractive talent pool for employers looking to fill in-demand jobs. People new to the province may need supports so their skills can be applied in different ways to make meaningful contributions to the organizations they join.
