By Maria Doty

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Mid and North Island Program Puts Immigrants’ Careers Back on Track

Feb 19, 2021 | 1:45 PM

In British Columbia, there are over 280 regulated occupations, everything from teaching to skilled trades.  Working in one of these professions requires certification by a regulatory body, and each profession has their own qualifications.  Navigating the system can be challenging for anyone, but it can be especially challenging for people new to Canada.

That’s why the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society’s Immigrant Welcome Centre offers a program that can help.  While the Centre helps newcomers find employment in non-regulated occupations, the Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants program is aimed at those who have worked in a regulated profession and are looking to get back into it here in Canada.

Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants provides support to newcomers throughout the Mid- and North Island, including Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Parksville, Port Alberni, Campbell River, Courtenay, and the Comox Valley.  Funding for the program is provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Government of BC. There is NO COST for participants!

Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants program assesses an individual’s skills, education, and qualifications to create a plan and make sure they are on the right path.  Participants may receive help with the credentialing process, financial supports, training and exam preparation, and with language improvement.  Just as important, participants learn how to look for work in Canada, how to better understand the Canadian workplace culture, and to develop networking opportunities.  If necessary, participants may also gain experience through practicums, mentoring, and temporary employment.

To qualify for the Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants program, applicants must be a Permanent Resident within the past five years with an Intermediate language proficiency (Canadian Language Benchmark Five and higher) and a minimum of three years of experience in their profession (one year for youth aged 19-30), and currently be unemployed (not collecting EI / Income Assistance) or working in a ‘survival job’ not related to their home country profession.

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It cannot be overstated how important the Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants program is in helping people new to Canada integrate into the workplace. For many newcomers, it can be difficult to get foreign credentials accepted by local regulatory bodies and by employers. For some, it can also be difficult getting used to a workplace culture that is different from their own.  With the right advice and support, the Immigrant Welcome Centre makes that transition much easier than it might otherwise be.

The program can be just as important to employers. By helping participants get through the regulatory and credentialing process, and understanding the workplace, it assures potential employers that their applicants will fit in, be able to communicate with co-workers and customers, and be ready to contribute to the company’s success.  Immigrants are motivated to succeed and with their knowledge and experience, they bring an outside perspective that can give a company a competitive advantage.

By supporting newcomers, and making things easier for employers, the Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants program can contribute to the success of local businesses and the local economy.  If you are interested in the program, or know someone else who may be, you can find more information and apply online at cvims.org